Morocco holds Algeria responsible for blocking search for a political solution to Sahara dispute
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 10/11/2004

"Algeria takes the heavy responsibility for blocking the process of search for a political solution, just like it obstructs the construction of the Maghreb," reaffirmed, in New York on Friday, Morocco's permanent representative in the United Nations.

Mohamed Bennouna, who was addressing the UN General Assembly's 4th committee in charge of political questions and decolonization, said the "regional dispute over the Sahara has brought into conflict two neighboring countries, Morocco and Algeria, notwithstanding the bonds of fraternity binding them from times immemorial."

"It is those very close-knit human and cultural ties existing between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples that had led Morocco, early in 1955, whilst it was only partially decolonised, to muster up all its capacities and resources in support of the struggle waged by the Algerian National Liberation Front," he said, noting that "many leaders in this movement, some of whom, are still in power today, recall the unreserved, all-out mobilization of the Moroccan people in support of their struggle."

"Yet, contrary to the interests of the Maghreb region, Algeria, swayed by the ideological momentum of those times, coveted regional leadership instead of embarking resolutely on the task of building a unified, integrated Maghreb in which all members would have a say, on equal footing," he said.

"It is in this context, Bennouna explained, that Algeria took it upon itself to wield all imaginable obstacles to counter the peaceful process that Morocco had resolutely followed to accomplish its territorial integrity. Dismembered by European colonial powers, Morocco had initiated, at the turn of the last century, the process of recovery, through negotiation, of territories lying south of the country, which were still under Spanish occupation, namely Tarfaya in 1958, Sifi Ifni in 1969, and finally the Sahara in 1975."

"In an unrelenting quest for regional leadership, he said, Algeria submitted to Mr. Baker on 2 November 2001, in Houston, a proposal to partition the territory of the Sahara. In real political terms, the proposal was viewed as an aberration since it emanated from a country that introduced itself, for decades long, in this very committee, as the advocate of self-determination. It goes without saying that the partition proposal, which brushes aside the interest of the population concerned, was rather aimed to thwart the Framework Agreement proposed by Mr. James Baker, in June 2001, and recommended under Security Council resolution 1359 as a basis for negotiation."

The Moroccan diplomat underlined that "in the eyes of the Special Envoy, this agreement constituted a compromise solution, based on an autonomy that respects the prerogatives attached to Moroccan sovereignty, in a no-winner-no-loser style. Algeria was called upon, accordingly, to make any modifications or addition it deemed fit to the draft."

Yet, he deplored, instead of "reward of his efforts toward working out a negotiated and mutually acceptable settlement of the Sahara dispute, the Secretary General of our Organization was accused by the representative of Algeria of acting with 'unbearable slight'.

"In spite of its deep implication in the conflict, to the extent that its diplomacy has come to resolve around a single pivotal cause, that of the Sahara, Algeria goes as far as maintain that its efforts are chiefly aimed at upholding one of the principles of the Organization, just like any other noble-minded member of the United Nations. The unfortunate irony is that this pseudo defense of a principle has thrown the entire region of the Maghreb, for three decades, into limbo, blocking also all efforts exerted to build the Maghreb Union to serve as a platform for region-to-region dialogue with the European Union."

"Seldom has the advocacy of a principle inflicted collateral damage of such magnitude," he said, underlining that Morocco spared no effort to improve its relations with Algeria, "thus opening broad vistas for revitalizing the Maghreb."

"We are confident that a better climate for bilateral relations would be conducive, in the long run, to the settlement of all disputes, including that relating to the Sahara," he stressed.

"Regrettably enough, all our good-will gestures have been bluntly rebuffed by Algeria. (É) Morocco has even been criticized by Algeria for exempting Algerians from entry visas, deeming such a step a unilateral measure as if diplomatic practice has it otherwise," said Bennouna.

He noted, however, that there is consolation in a number of factors, saying "peace has been maintained by dint of the efforts of the United Nations. Likewise a process has been seriously put in motion by the Security Council in search for a negotiated, mutually acceptable solution."

"By virtue of this process, he said, successive proposals have been made with a view to gauging the reactions of each and everyone, and, accordingly, making the appropriate adjustments for the purpose of bringing sides closer together."

James Baker put forward a peace plan, without prior consultations with the parties, he said, noting that "Morocco conveyed its response last April, in which it underlined the aspects in the plan it deemed unacceptable, and emphasized its readiness and openness to negotiation on a final autonomy status."

Bennouna recalled the resignation of Baker last June and the designation of Alvaro de Soto to take over as Special Representative to pursue the work of a political mediation in order to achieve a just, final and mutually acceptable political solution.

The Moroccan diplomat said King Mohammed VI has reiterated before de Soto Morocco's commitment to participate in a negotiation under the auspices of the United Nations in order to reach a mutually acceptable political solution.

"Today, he said, the facts underlying the conflict are well established and duly registered in the United Nations. There is no point, therefore, in heightening tension, through vain pressure and illegal acts, such as the recognition of inexistent entities, for these acts only discredit those who orchestrate them as well as their accomplices."

"It is high time to put an end to this dangerous game which has only served to divide the African continent and debilitate it," he went on.

Bennouna voiced his country's readiness to "enter into dialogue with Algeria, to avoid at all costs the explosion of the entire region because of fratricide conflicts."

"We are aware of the fact that new threats and perils are henceforth looming in this area, which has become a safe haven for several terrorist and criminal movements. We are, therefore, called upon to discharge our responsibility towards our northern neighbors, the Europeans, and our southern neighbors, our African brothers," he said.

Bennouna expressed hope Algeria "will take the hand which is tended to it in order to build together a future of peace and prosperity in the Maghreb."

However, he said, it would be necessary to "drive out regional leadership claims and not to believe that one can continue to assume the role of the defender of the oppressed, whereas one proposes to a population, already locked up partly in camps in Algeria, a new division for the sake of geopolitical agenda."

The Moroccan diplomat recalled that Algeria "has maintained in detention, for more than 25 years, 421 Moroccan prisoners under inhuman conditions in camps close to Tindouf, in Algeria."

"It is high time that we went back to the reality on the ground in the Maghreb and to work together in our natural environment, so that our peoples may achieve their development harmoniously and enjoy their individual and collective rights," he concluded.

Previous Stories:
  Press: Polisario brings back military confrontation threat   (10/9/2004)
  Morocco urges Algeria to allow UNHCR fulfil duly its mandate in Tindouf camps   (10/8/2004)
  Political leader: Algerian papers' disinformation shows Algiers' panic   (10/6/2004)

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