By Manal Abdel Fattah
Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, addressed a speech to members of parliament on the occasion of the opening of the first session of the fourth legislative year of the eleventh legislative term, and through them to various bodies, institutions and citizens, regarding the latest developments in the Moroccan Sahara file, considering it the first issue for all Moroccans.
The Moroccan monarch reiterated that the issue of Morocco’s territorial integrity has moved from the management stage to the change stage, whether internally or externally, in everything related to the dimensions of this file, with the transition from a reactive approach to taking the initiative, and being firm and proactive, which required working for years with determination and deliberation, and with a clear vision, by using all available means and capabilities, to publicize the justice of Morocco’s position, and its historical and legitimate rights in its Sahara, despite the difficult and complex international context.
The Moroccan king explained that the truth has emerged today and just causes always triumph, in accordance with the Almighty’s saying: “And say, ‘The truth has come, and falsehood has perished. Falsehood is bound to perish.'” God Almighty is true.
The King of Morocco also referred to France’s recognition of the Kingdom’s sovereignty over the entire territory of the Sahara, and its support for the autonomy initiative, within the framework of Moroccan territorial integrity, as the sole basis for resolving this artificial regional conflict.
On this occasion, King Mohammed VI, in his personal name and on behalf of the Moroccan people, offered his most sincere thanks and gratitude to France and to His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron, for this explicit support for the Moroccan Sahara.
On the other hand, the Moroccan monarch stressed that this positive development supports right and legitimacy, and recognizes Morocco’s historical rights, especially since it came from a major country, a permanent member of the Security Council, and an influential player in the international arena, as well as because Paris is well aware of the reality and background of this regional conflict.
The King of Morocco also considered that the French position falls within the framework of the positive dynamics experienced by the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, which is based on consolidating Morocco’s sovereignty over its territory, and expanding support for the autonomy initiative. Thus, Morocco has also been able to gain the recognition of influential countries, permanent members of the Security Council, such as the United States of America.
In parallel, the Moroccan monarch indicated his pride in the positions of the sister Arab and African countries, which clearly and committedly support the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, especially those that have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla. The King of Morocco also mentioned the position of Spain, which knows the ins and outs of this file, with its position carrying deep political and historical implications, in addition to the majority of the European Union countries; and he thanked all the countries that deal economically and investment-wise with the southern regions of the Kingdom, as an integral part of its national territory, considering that they are thus keeping pace with the path of economic, social and cultural development witnessed by the Moroccan Sahara, and strengthening its position as a hub for communication and exchange between Morocco and its African depth.