Moroccan political parties call Pretoria to withdraw 'SADR' recognition
Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/18/2004

The three Koutla parties have called Pretoria to withdraw its "illogic recognition" of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR" to "join the international community's positive action in favor of a political solution preserving regional stability and world peace."

South Africa's decision, made public Wednesday, to establish democratic relations with the alleged 'SADR,' was described as an "unfriendly act towards Morocco" in a in a letter to south Africa's ambassador to Morocco.

The Koutla, which includes the Socialist Union for Popular Forces (USFP), Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) and the Istiqlal Party (PI), expressed "surprise" and "consternation" over this decision. This acts, the letter says, "disrespects the historical reality and feelings of thirty million Moroccans."

"Our people (...) does not understand how the brave country of Nelson Mandela can disregard the mutual respect and esteem (...)that was

forged during the struggle for liberation in our two countries despite the

geographical distance," reads the letter.

The three leaders said Pretoria's decision is "even useless and harmful because it concerns a phantom entity that does not have the basic characteristics of a State."

They added that such a decision is "counterproductive" because it exacerbates regional tensions instead of participating in efforts aiming to reach a serious solution to the Sahara conflict."

On Wednesday, Morocco decided to recall its ambassador to South Africa in protest of its decision to recognize the alleged 'SADR' that is claiming the secession of Moroccan southern provinces (known as the Sahara).

Morocco qualified this decision as "surprising and inopportune."

Previous Stories:
  Morocco recalls its ambassador after recognition of Sahrawi Republic by South Africa   (9/16/2004)
  King wishes to develop strategic partnership with re-elected president mbeki   (4/24/2004)
  South Africa's Mbeki urges quick settlement of Sahara issue   (2/15/2003)

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