We are convinced Sahara is an integrant part of Morocco, Mauritanian HR activist

"We clearly support Morocco's territorial integrity and we are convinced the Sahara is an integrant part of the kingdom, affirmed president of the Mauritanian Human Rights Directorate, Mohamed Belmokhtar Chenguiti.

"This stance reflects the position of the majority of the Islamic movement in Mauritania," said Chenguiti in an interview with the Mauritanian newspaper "Raya," as reported Tuesday by the Moroccan daily "Attajdid."

"Our region does not need a new weak small State that causes splits in the region," he said, referring to the 'Sahrawi republic," self-proclaimed by the Polisario group that is claiming the separation of Morocco's southern provinces, known as the Sahara. This territory, formerly occupied by Spain, was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under Madrid accord.

President of the Mauritanian Human Rights Directorate also underscored the need to "solve the Sahara issue in favor of the homeland, Morocco."