Solution to sahara conflict, key to stability in the region, EU parliamentarian

President of the European Union's commission for the Maghreb and member of the EU parliament, Gerardo Galeote Quecedo, told MAP Tuesday the solution to the Sahara issue is the "key to a definitive stability in the region."

The statement was made following a meeting between Moroccan delegate minister for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taieb Fassi Fihri, and members of a European delegation of the commission for the Maghreb.

For his part, Fihri voiced Morocco's resolve to reach a political solution that guarantees the country's legitimate rights in respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Morocco is disputing with the Algeria-backed guerrilla movement 'Polisario' over the Sahara. This territory, formerly occupied by Spain, was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under an agreement with Nouakchott and Madrid.

The Moroccan minister said the meeting highlighted the need to reach a consensual settlement that secures to Morocco its historical rights.

The two parties also discussed relations between Morocco and the European Union and questions of joint interest, notably the situation in the Middle East and the development of relations between Maghreban countries.