By recognizing SADR, South Africa 'excludes itself' of rapprochement with parties, official

By recognizing the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "RASD," South Africa "excludes itself of the rapprochement process with the parties as recommended by the Security Council," Moroccan Minister-delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said.

Taïeb Fassi Fihri made the statement following Pretoria's decision to establish diplomatic relations with the alleged "SADR" that is claiming the secession of Moroccan Sahara.

Pretoria, he said, sides itself with a minority thesis that is against the interests of Moroccan and Sahrawi populations, and Morocco's high interests, Fihri told Radio France International (RFI) on Thursday.

This decision has "deceived all Moroccans," he deplored.

Morocco decided Wednesday to recall its ambassador in Pretoria for consultation in protest against what Moroccan authorities describe as a "partial, surprising and inopportune" decision.

The kingdom also voiced "disappointment" over the new foreign policy of south Africa.