Moroccan Sahara: France has a favorable position on the autonomy plan (Catherine Colonna)

When questioned at the joint press conference, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna defended France’s position on the Sahara issue, reaffirming her country’s support for the Kingdom’s autonomy plan. A support that dates back several years (since 2007).

“Everyone is aware of France’s position. It is the position that has the advantage of being both clear and consistent. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy. And we wish the resumption of negotiations between the parties for a fair and realistic solution,” she stated, adding: “France’s position at the United Nations for the renewal of the mandate of Minurso has been appreciated by Morocco and we have measured it in past years with constancy”.

“We demonstrated this at the United Nations and even when we were somewhat alone in wanting to advance some ideas. So we don’t change,” she said, adding that “Morocco can count on France’s support.”

“MOROCCO HAS NEVER CONSIDERED FRANCE’S POSITION TO BE NEGATIVE”.

Indeed, the press conference provided an opportunity for both officials to clarify their positions on the issue. Nasser Bourita, the head of Moroccan diplomacy, was extremely clear. “Morocco has never considered that the position of France is negative”, he said, adding that “France has been from the beginning, pioneer in the appreciation and support of the autonomy plan”.

The minister did, however, mention the “need to adapt” the French position to recent regional and geopolitical developments. “The need for adaptation is on the table and can be explored,” he said.

The head of Moroccan diplomacy reaffirmed Morocco’s willingness to find a solution within the UN framework, while expressing his rejection of the idea that the UN process is an end in itself. “The political process must lead us to a solution,” he explained.