Morocco's fm stresses non-viability of Sahara partition proposal
Morocco, Politics, 3/6/2002

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, told Tuesday the Moroccan TV channel RTM the Algerian-sponsored proposal to partition the Sahara is not a viable option, as it is refused by the Moroccan King, government and people.

After he wondered what the proposal seeks to divide, the land or the population, families or tribes, Benaissa warned that the option is a serious precedent, not only for countries of the Maghreb and Africa but also for some European countries that are facing separatism problems, like Spain. He also explained that should the proposal be accepted, we will be facing several tragedies, similar to those in several African countries whose territories were partitioned by colonial administrations.

For Morocco, and for several countries of the globe, land partitioning will only trigger instability and extend the conflict beyond the region, he argued before underscoring that only negotiations between Morocco and Algeria will help settle the issue, which he described as a geo-political conflict between Morocco and Algeria.

After he recalled how the issue evolved in history and how Morocco made efforts to settle the issue, he insisted that Morocco has always succeeded in facing unacceptable proposals and other challenges and that the enemies of our territorial integrity are well aware of this.

He further described as "mere aberrations and contradictions" statements by the leader of the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists that his guerilla movement is ready to start negotiations with Morocco, under the auspices of France. Morocco is ready to accept any proposal likely to guarantee a peaceful solution that preserves its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, he stressed adding that sooner or later the conflict will be resolve thanks to the unity of the Moroccan people and that it is in the interest of Morocco, of Algeria and of the Arab Maghreb Union to maintain mutual trust.

Asked on whether the United Nations could impose a solution, Benaissa answered that it is not within the U.N. competence to impose solutions as article 5 of its charter stipulates that the world body calls for dialogue, for negotiations and for other peaceful means to settle conflicts.

The United Nations make recommendations that are only applicable if they are accepted by all concerned parties, he went on expressing hope that the framework-agreement, brokered by the U.N. secretary general's personal envoy, be accepted as it is the best solution to the conflict although Morocco expressed reserves on some of its items.

This is a solution within which we can reach a political and peaceful settlement and enable the Arab Maghreb Union start an era of partnership, cooperation and progress, Benaissa went.

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