Madrid wants Sahara conflict settlement away from games of circumstantial alliances, Moratinos
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/9/2004

Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, reiterated Thursday Spain's resolve to contribute to the settlement of the Sahara issue away from the "games of circumstantial alliances."

The Sahara conflict is opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed separatist group 'Polisario' that is claiming the separation of Moroccan southern provinces from the rest of Morocco.

Spain, the former colonial power, was occupying the Sahara before it was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under accords with Madrid and Mauritania.

Last April, Spain had promised to adopt "a positive and constructive stance" to reach "a broad agreement" on the Sahara issue, during the visit to Morocco of Spain's premier, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero a few days after his inauguration.

Moratinos, who was speaking during the presentation of the program of CIDOB Foundation (International Center for information and international documentation of Barcelona), praised Zapatero's government success in "restoring confidence with Morocco."

On the other hand, the Spanish chief diplomat highlighted the importance of conducting a joint action with the Arab and Islamic world to fight terrorism.

Last Monday, Spanish secretary of state for foreign affairs, Bernardino Leon, said his country is seeking to establish solid links with Maghreb countries. He said counter-terrorism is a major point in relations with the Maghreb."

Previous Stories:
  Settlement of Sahara dispute will favor Maghreban integration, Spanish official   (7/6/2004)
  Some 50,000 Moroccans granted legal stay in Spain, Minister   (7/2/2004)
  Fisheries: Spain seeks, beyond catches, sustainable cooperation with Morocco   (6/24/2004)

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