Sahara: Morocco’s King calls for frank & responsible dialogue with Algeria; hails growing international support for Autonomy Plan

King Mohammed VI has reached out again to neighboring Algeria,voicing Morocco’s readiness to finding a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties.

In a speech he delivered Tuesday on the 26th anniversary of his accession to the Throne,the Monarch said in addition to the commitment to consolidate Morocco’s status as an emerging country,“I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment,especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria.”

“My position,as the King of Morocco,is as clear as it is consistent: the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people,” added the Monarch,citing in this regard the bonds of language,religion,geography,and a common destiny uniting the two countries.

“Therefore,I have always reached out to our brothers in Algeria and said Morocco was ready for frank,responsible,fraternal and sincere dialogue on the various issues pending between the two countries”,said the King,noting that his firm commitment to reaching out to brothers in Algeria “stems from a belief in the unity of our peoples and in our ability to overcome,together,this unfortunate situation.”

The King also reaffirm commitment to the Maghreb Union,which “cannot exist without the involvement of Morocco and Algeria,alongside the remaining sister countries concerned.”

“I am proud of the growing international support for the Autonomy Initiative as the only solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara”,underlined the Monarch.

He availed this opportunity to express his thanks to the United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic,for their constructive position in support of the Autonomy Initiative within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,the two European countries having been the latest to express backing to the Autonomy Initiative.

This stance strengthens the position of many countries across the world,noting that he is proud of these stances which uphold right and legitimacy.

“I keenly look forward,as well,to finding a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties’’,underlined the King in his Throne Day speech.