Zapatero: The Relationship With Morocco Is Essential For Spain’s Stability

Former Head of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero stated, in an interview with Spanish news agency “Canal Sur”, that “if there are mistakes made in the management of relations with Morocco, they must be corrected”, stressing that “the relationship with Morocco is essential”.

In this regard, Zapatero called for “restoring confidence”; an objective which will be achieved, according to the former head of government, by “silence and ending statements in order to mark the ground for dialogue”.

Recalling the recent statement of ex-defense minister José Bono, Zapatero added, “Morocco is an important collaborator in the fight against jihadist terrorism”, explaining that “during my time in government, we also had a reasonable agreement regarding migration issues”.

The former socialist leader also reiterated his support for the Moroccan Sahara autonomy plan, describing the initiative as “very advanced” and “having had a good response when it was presented in 2007”. “It is a basis for negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement between the parties,” José Luis Zapatero said. “With the Moroccans, we have to talk a lot”, he concludes, directing his message to Pedro Sanchez.