Youssoufi hails royal approach to Saharan affairs

Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi hailed the decision by King Mohammed VI to give a new impetus to the royal consultative council for Saharan affairs and stage elections for membership.

In a statement at the chamber of advisors Monday on his government's action since it was appointed 18 months ago, Youssoufi said the move confirms the king's democratic approach to the Sahara issue which fully involves populations of the southern provinces and paves the way for mobilization to take on the challenge of development and growth.

The prime minister listed achievements since the southern provinces were recovered in 1975 saying his Cabinet was determined to secure all conditions to welcome back Moroccans detained in Tindouf camps and urged economic operators to enhance investment in the southern provinces and boost productive sectors there such as fisheries, canning, tourism and handicraft.

Youssoufi also paid tribute to the royal armed forces and renewed the kingdom's resolve to abide by the UN settlement plan and guarantee participation in the referendum of all those eligible.