Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Sahara Autonomy Plan Amid Regional Tensions

"For Morocco, there is a willingness to find a solution within the framework of the Moroccan autonomy initiative and nothing but the Moroccan autonomy initiative. The framework is that of round tables with the participation of the true party to this regional dispute," Nasser Bourita said in an interview with France24 and RFI, on the sidelines of his participation in the 35th Ordinary Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

"Morocco, which is on its territory and is in its legitimate defense, has never sought confrontation. Morocco is for a solution within the framework of the United Nations, within the framework of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty," the minister stressed, specifying that "it is this country (Algeria, editor’s note) that has officially rejected the will of the international community".

To read: King Mohammed VI: Morocco’s Stance on Western Sahara ’Non-Negotiable’

For Bourita, Algeria and Morocco should not be "on an equal footing". "Morocco is aligned with the Security Council resolution, while Algeria does not want this resolution. Morocco is at ease. The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara has a mandate, a framework for action, he himself says he is working for the round tables. If Algeria does not want it, it is its problem," he affirmed.

When asked about the tense relations between Morocco and Algeria and the risk of armed conflict, Bourita indicated that "Algeria is in excess and what is excessive is insignificant, but Morocco’s positions are clear." And he added: "Morocco is not in escalation. Morocco does not insult the future. And Morocco thinks that we never change geography," preferring "to focus on what unites us, not on what divides us".