Mohamed VI resalta el apoyo internacional a la marroquinidad del Sáhara Occidental

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, addressed the nation in a solemn speech commemorating the 46th anniversary of the Green March, which marked the end of the official Spanish presence in the Western Sahara area and the beginning of a long journey of debates and confrontational positions over the status of the region, The majority internationally accepted the discourse of the Alawi nation, which defends a broad regional autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty within the parameters established by the United Nations in relation to the talks on the issue. 

Mohammed VI stressed the majority support received for Morocco's initiative on the Saharawi region. "This approach irrevocably consolidates the political process that is heading towards a definitive solution, on the basis of the autonomy initiative, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty", he indicated. 

The Moroccan monarch opened his speech by highlighting this "glorious anniversary" which comes in a "context marked by many achievements and challenges". Morocco's current situation is one of great institutional efforts to emerge from the crisis into which the coronavirus pandemic has plunged the whole world. 

The North African nation is one of those that is best overcoming this difficult stage marked by the COVID-19 health crisis, both economically and socially, with a good vaccination campaign that has already protected the majority of the population, together with a serious plan of measures aimed at the public to contain the pathogen. 

Mohammed VI spoke of a national "positive dynamic" at the time of the 46th anniversary of the Green March. At a current stage in which "the Moroccanness of the Sahara is, indisputably, an immovable reality in consideration of history and legality", as the Alaouite king pointed out. 

The Moroccan position has great international support, from relevant nations such as the United States (both from the past administration of Donald Trump and the current administration of Joe Biden) and the United Arab Emirates, which, along with other countries, announced the opening of consulates in key areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune. As for the United States, the Moroccan king noted that Moroccans are "proud of the sovereign decision of the United States of America, which has recognised Morocco's total sovereignty over its Sahara". "This is a natural result of the sustained support of previous American administrations and their constructive role in the settlement of this issue", he stressed. 

On the other hand, he also highlighted how up to 24 countries announced the opening of national consulates. "The opening by more than 24 countries of consulates in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla has only confirmed the broad support that the Moroccan position has gained, especially in our Arab and African environment.

All this in the face of the Polisario Front's call for a referendum on Saharan independence, which has little international support, including that of Algeria, Morocco's great political enemy in the Maghreb, which broke off relations with its Maghreb neighbour because of the political differences between the two countries, This even meant the cessation of the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline, which affected the supply of gas that partly supplies Morocco, through whose territory this infrastructure passes, and Spain (although the Spanish nation agreed with Algeria to supply gas through another Algerian pipeline such as the Medgaz pipeline).

In this regard, Mohammed VI spoke in his official speech of "broad international recognition" of the proposal for broad autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. The Alaouite monarch referred to "effective and calm developments in recent months" in relation to the Saharawi question, referring to the overwhelming international support received.

The Moroccan king also referred to the incident in November 2020 in which the Moroccan army had to intervene in the face of the blockade of the Guerguerat crossing by the Polisario Front. "We cannot but praise our Royal Armed Forces, who on 13 November 2020 ensured the free movement of people and goods at the Guerguerat crossing between Morocco and sister Mauritania."

"This peaceful and resolute action put an end to the provocations and aggressions, of whose seriousness with regard to the security and stability of the area Morocco had previously warned the international community," Mohammed VI said.

The King of Morocco also pointed out that "the Sahara cannot be the subject of negotiations" and that "the Moroccanness of the Sahara has never been and will never be raised on the negotiating table". "On this basis, we wish to reiterate Morocco's attachment to the political process of the United Nations", the Moroccan monarch assured. 

Mohammed VI fully defended the peaceful path in the face of other more belligerent positions. "We reiterate our commitment to the peaceful option, the ceasefire and the continuation of coordination and cooperation with the MINURSO delegation within the framework of its strict attributions," the Moroccan king stressed. 

"In this regard, we renew our full support to the UN Secretary General, António Gutérres, and his personal envoy, for the efforts he is making to relaunch the political process as soon as possible", Mohammed VI affirmed.

The Alaoui King also wished to highlight the great progress that the areas around the Moroccan Sahara are enjoying at this positive stage for Morocco. "The positive developments on the Sahara issue are also consolidating the continuous development of our Southern Provinces. Indeed, these provinces are the scene of a general development drive, whether in terms of infrastructure or economic and social projects", the Moroccan monarch stressed. 

Here is Mohammed VI's full speech on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Green March, broadcast by the MAP news agency:

"Praise be to God, prayer and greetings be upon our Lord God's Envoy, his family and companions,
Dear people, 

It is with great pride that we celebrate today the forty-sixth anniversary of the Green March. 

The commemoration of this glorious anniversary takes place in a context marked by many achievements and challenges.

Indeed, our national cause is experiencing an unstoppable positive dynamic.

The Moroccan identity of the Sahara is undoubtedly an immovable reality, in view of history and legality, as well as the unshakeable will of its children, and widespread international recognition.

Dear people,

As far as the defence of our Sahara is concerned, we have been able to record, with God's help, effective and calm developments in recent months.

In this context, we can only praise our Royal Armed Forces, who on 13 November 2020, have ensured the free movement of people and goods at the Guerguerat crossing between Morocco and sister Mauritania.

This peaceful and decisive action put an end to the provocations and aggressions, the seriousness of which Morocco had previously warned the international community with regard to the security and stability of the area.

In the same positive spirit, we express our consideration for the ever-increasing effective support for the justice of our cause.

Moreover, we are proud of the sovereign decision of the United States of America, which has recognised Morocco's full sovereignty over its Sahara.

This is a natural result of the sustained support of previous American administrations and their constructive role in the settlement of this issue.

This direction irrevocably consolidates the political process towards a definitive solution, based on the autonomy initiative, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

Moreover, the opening by more than 24 countries of consulates in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla has only confirmed the broad support that the Moroccan position has won, especially in our Arab and African environment.

This is the best legal and diplomatic response to those who claim that recognition of the Moroccan status of the Sahara is not explicit and concrete.

We now have the right to expect bolder and clearer positions from our partners on the question of the Kingdom's territorial integrity.

These are positions that will contribute to the consolidation of the political process, as well as to the support of efforts to reach a definitive and implementable solution.

Dear people,

For Morocco, the Sahara cannot be the subject of negotiations. Moreover, the Moroccan ownership of the Sahara has never been and never will be brought to the negotiating table.

We are negotiating for a peaceful solution to this artificial regional dispute.

On this basis, we wish to reiterate Morocco's attachment to the United Nations political process.

Likewise, we reiterate our commitment to the peaceful option, the ceasefire and the continuation of coordination and cooperation with the MINURSO delegation within the framework of its strict attributions.

In this regard, we renew to His Excellency the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Gutérres, and to his personal envoy, our full support for the efforts he is making to relaunch the political process as soon as possible.

In this regard, we insist on strict respect for the references corroborated by the decisions of the Security Council, since 2007, and which have materialised in the meetings held in Geneva, under the auspices of the United Nations.

Dear people,

The positive developments in the Sahara issue also consolidate the continuous development of our Southern Provinces.

Indeed, these provinces are the scene of a general development drive, whether in terms of infrastructure or economic and social projects. 

Thanks to these projects, the various regions of the Sahara have become an open space for development and investment, both national and foreign.

Thank God, we have loyal international partners, who, together with the national private sector, carry out their investments in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of the people of the region.

In this context, we wish to express our consideration for the countries and groupings with which Morocco has established agreements and partnerships, and for which our Southern Provinces are an indivisible part of our national territory.

We would also like to say to those who hold undefined or double positions, that Morocco will not take any economic or commercial step with them that does not cover the Moroccan Sahara.

On the other hand, the elected councils of the regions and provinces of the Sahara, which emanate from democratic, totally free and accountable elections, are the true legal representative of the inhabitants of the region. 

We hope that they will constitute a locomotive for the implementation of advanced regionalisation, opening up horizons for development and true political participation. 

Dear people, 

The Sahara issue represents the essence of the national unity of the Kingdom, as well as being the cause of all Moroccans.

Therefore, each and everyone, from his or her position, is called upon to remain mobilised and vigilant in defence of national unity and territorial integrity, consolidating the political and developmental gains that our Southern Provinces have achieved.

This is the greatest proof of loyalty to the eternal oath of the Green March and to the spirit of its architect, Our Revered Father, His Majesty King Hassan II, God rest his soul, as well as to all the virtuous martyrs of the Nation.

We would like to take this opportunity to express to our five Maghrebi peoples our sincere wishes for further development and prosperity, in unity and stability.

Finally, we wish to extend our compliments and appreciation to all members of the Royal Armed Forces, Royal Gendarmerie, National Security, Auxiliary Forces, Territorial Administration and Civil Defence for their constant mobilisation, under our leadership, in defence of national unity, security and stability.   

Wassalamou alaikoum warahmatoullahi wabarakatouh.