Kuwaiti paper: SA's recognition of 'SADR' harms its own ideals

The Kuwaiti daily " Assiyassa al Koweïtiya" commented Monday that South Africa's recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR" harms the ideals defended by its historic leader Nelson Mandela.

A country with such an important reference should not ignore international concerns, by recognizing an entity whose existence is closer to illusion than reality, wrote the paper's editor-in-chief, Ahmed al Jarallah, deploring Pretoria's decision last week to establish diplomatic relations with the alleged "SADR," that is claiming the secession of Moroccan southern provinces, known as the Sahara.

"How does (Pretoria) justify this recognition," wondered the writer, recalling that Arab countries constantly supported the South African people in its struggle against the Apartheid regime.

Moroccans were among the first who backed the South African people, he stressed.

Morocco, recalled the paper, retrieved the Sahara from the Spanish colonization through a peaceful "green march." It is unreasonable for South Africa to disregard this reality, it went on.

"The Sahara is Moroccan and will remain Moroccan because the international community would not allow a handful of individuals (É), attracted by the prospect of a better life, to establish an imaginary State in a country that enjoys its full rights on all its national territory," underlined the paper.

Morocco decided last week to recall its ambassador in Pretoria for consultation after South Africa's stance was made public.

The Kingdom described Pretoria's move as "disappointing" and inopportune."