Morocco Calls for Direct Talks with Algeria on Western Sahara Dispute

"Through the recent statement of the Algerian minister, the latter has once again confirmed that Algiers is the real party involved in the conflict," Nasser Bourita said at a press conference. "Only negotiations with Algeria matter, because the real party to the conflict is Algeria," stressed the Moroccan minister. According to him, the mobilization of the Algerian regime "proves, every day, that it is directly involved in this conflict, because it shelters, finances and mobilizes," the separatists against Morocco’s territorial integrity.

During the conference, the minister stated that Morocco is committed to the UN peace process and to respecting the ceasefire. "Who is hindering and violating the ceasefire? Who opposes the appointment of a special envoy? Who violates the MINURSO mission?" asked Nasser Bourita, affirming that "the time is no longer for maneuvers, disinformation and contradictions. The only solution to the conflict lies in the autonomy initiative," recalled the head of Moroccan diplomacy.

Nasser Bourita indicated that Morocco is willing to open negotiations, and hopes that Algeria will show its good faith by ceasing the maneuvers that consist in undermining the ceasefire and violating human rights. Nasser Bourita is alluding, among other things, to the many arrests, torture and sexual assaults suffered in Algeria by the peaceful protesters of the Hirak.