Nigeria wishes Morocco's return to OAU
Morocco-Nigeria, Politics, 6/7/2000

Nigerian Secretary of State for foreign affairs, Dubem Onyia, hoped that Morocco would resume its seat within the Organization of African Unity (OAU) once the organization corrects the error it made when it admitted the so-called "Sahrawi Republic" in violation of international legality.

Nigeria understands Morocco's concerns regarding its territorial integrity and hopes for the success of the UN settlement plan to bring to an end this artificial problem, Onyia said at a meeting here Tuesday with speaker of chamber of advisers (Upper house), Mohamed Jalal Essaid.

Morocco withdrew from the OAU in 1984 following the illegal admission of the so-called "Sahrawi Republic" (SADR), self-proclaimed by the polisario, with the political backing of neighboring Algeria and the leverage of former OAU Secretary-General, Edem Kodjo (Togo), who was known for his vowed hostility to Morocco.

Several other OAU member countries have withdrawn recognition of the puppet "SADR" and called for Morocco's return to the Organization.

Jalal Essaid, who hailed Nigeria's stand founded on the respect of international legality, underlined Morocco's commitment to the UN settlement plan and to the participation of all Sahrawis in the UN-projected referendum.

The United Nations is trying to hold a referendum in the Sahara --a former Spanish colony retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords.

The vote, which will give the people of the Sahara a choice between independence or integration with Morocco, has been repeatedly delayed because of the maneuvers of the separatist polisario which seeks to shrink the voters list.

The Nigerian official started Tuesday a visit to Morocco aimed at strengthening relations between Morocco and Mali in the fields of economy and trade.

Previous Stories:
  Preparations for Moroccan- Nigerian joint commission   (6/6/2000)
  Senegal renews backing to Morocco's territorial integrity   (6/5/2000)
  Nigerian delegation arrives in Morocco sunday   (6/3/2000)

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