British MPs Call on Foreign Secretary to Formally Endorse Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Sahara
- ByEmily Williamson --
- 2024-05-27 20:44:44 --
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- MA
According to informed sources, around thirty British Members of Parliament and Lords sent a letter on Friday to the Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, calling on the British government to formally and without delay support Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara as the "only solution" to the contrived conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.
The MPs and Lords emphasized that Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara, in addition to being the most "pragmatic" path forward, "respects local traditions and democratic aspirations, and provides a viable solution to achieve lasting peace and stability." The signatories noted that the initiative "enjoys wide support" from London's allies and more than 80 countries around the world, explaining that rallying behind this plan, which represents the "only realistic solution," reflects the international partners' desire to promote regional stability and prosperity, "thus reinforcing the central role of the autonomy initiative in advancing the peace efforts."
They warned that "there should be no room for further separatism or division," but rather "Morocco's proactive commitment to consolidating regional security and stability must be strengthened." The lawmakers said that "remaining neutral or attempting to envision alternative solutions can only lead to the perpetuation of the current negative status quo, which jeopardizes the region's security."
"The autonomy initiative enjoys wide support from London's allies and more than 80 countries around the world, reflecting the international partners' desire to promote regional stability and prosperity."
Having visited Morocco and its southern provinces, where they had the opportunity to meet with local leaders, civil society representatives, and human rights organizations, the signatories recorded that their observations, along with those of renowned academics like Professor Marc Weller, Chair of International Law and International Constitutional Studies at the University of Cambridge, "affirm their conviction that the United Kingdom should provide proactive support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco."
The signatories noted that the Sahara region is endowed with significant energy potential that could greatly improve energy prospects and ensure the region's sustainable development, in addition to its geostrategic importance in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
The letter from the British lawmakers comes at a time when the United Nations is working to relaunch the political process to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue. It also follows the recent visit of the British Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford, to Morocco, during which she reiterated her country's support for the UN-led political process and the autonomy plan as the basis for a realistic and lasting solution.
The strong bipartisan support expressed by the British parliamentarians for Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara reflects the growing international recognition of this proposal as the only viable and realistic solution to the regional dispute. This support, coming from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is a significant boost for Morocco's efforts to find a political settlement to the Sahara issue within the framework of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The letter from the British lawmakers is a clear message to the international community, particularly the UN, that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco represents the "only realistic solution" to the Sahara conflict and deserves the full support of the international community. It also highlights the growing recognition that the resolution of this regional dispute is crucial for the stability and prosperity of the entire Maghreb region.
As the political process led by the United Nations continues, the strong endorsement of the British parliamentarians for Morocco's autonomy plan is a significant development that could influence the trajectory of the negotiations and ultimately lead to a just and lasting solution to the Sahara issue.
The letter from the British lawmakers is a testament to the growing international consensus on the Sahara issue and the recognition of Morocco's constructive role in finding a political solution. It is a clear signal that the United Kingdom, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is firmly committed to supporting the efforts to resolve the Sahara conflict through the autonomy plan, which it sees as the "only viable and realistic solution."
This development comes at a critical juncture in the regional dispute and could have a significant impact on the ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations. It is a clear indication that the international community is increasingly recognizing the merits of the Moroccan autonomy plan and the need to find a lasting solution to the Sahara issue that respects Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity.