Spain Shifts Stance on Western Sahara to Protect National Interests, Government Says

The intention of the President of the Government in making this decision, which opens a new stage in the relationship with Morocco, is to protect "the interest of Spaniards, of Ceuta, Melilla, the Canary Islands and Andalusia," said Isabel Rodriguez in an interview with TVE, assuring that the PSOE is a "party friendly to the Sahrawi people" with whom it maintains "close ties of brotherhood and friendship".

To read: Spain Demands Ceuta and Melilla Protection in Morocco Talks on Western Sahara

For the government spokeswoman, this agreement which consecrates the restoration of relations with Morocco should be "celebrated" because it will allow to meet "many economic, migratory and anti-terrorist challenges". "We are satisfied with this agreement; it was necessary, because a good relationship with Morocco is very important for Spain," added Rodriguez, stressing that like France and Germany, Spain supports the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, considered as the most realistic basis for resolving this conflict that has lasted for half a century.