Government, parliament greet Madagascar's decision to freeze recognition of so-called Sahrawi Republic

The Moroccan Government and Parliament on Wednesday greeted Madagascar's decision to "freeze" diplomatic recognition of the so-called Sahrawi republic, a puppet state proclaimed by the Algeria-backed separatist movement "Polisario" on the Algerian soil.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of several cooperation accords between Morocco and Madagascar, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister, Mohamed Benaissa described the Malagasy as "courageous" and "clear-sighted." He said this decision that "consecrates law and legitimacy will help concerned parties end this long-standing artificial conflict through negotiation and dialogue to reach a political, negotiated, consensual and mutually accepted solution" as affirmed by King Mohammed VI during a dinner hosted in honour of visiting President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana.

At a meeting with the Speaker of Malagasy Senate, Rakotomaharo Rajemison and Deputy-Speaker of the Malagasy National Assembly, Solofonamtenaina Razoarimihaja, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Abdelouahed Radi greeted, on his part, Madagascar's decision and recalled the Moroccan efforts to complete its territorial integrity in accordance with international law.

President Marc Ravalomanana on Wednesday announced his country's decision to freeze its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi republic "SADR".