Morocco vows continued efforts for political solution to Sahara issue

"Morocco shall carry on its efforts with the UN and the international community to find a political solution (to the Moroccan Sahara issue) that is acceptable by all parties, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty and in accordance with the democratic choice of the Kingdom," affirmed Monday Morocco's Premier.

During a debate on last week's government declaration at the House of Advisors, Driss Jettou hailed the "palpable unanimity on the Sahara issue and on the sacred territorial integrity shown by the entire components of the political and parliamentary scene."

He added that the interventions of the parliamentary members reflect "the will of the political forces, the mobilization of the Moroccan people behind HM the King, the courage of our royal armed forces and the mobilization of the Sahara citizens to form a strong and homogeneous front to reaffirm the legitimacy of our rights and our position, and to respond to any attempts to harm our territorial unity and our national sovereignty."

The Algeria-backed "Polisario Front" has been, since 1976 claiming the separation of the Moroccan southern provinces (the Sahara, retrieved from the Spanish occupation in 1975 under the Madrid Accords) from the rest of the kingdom.

Jettou affirmed that Morocco is "convinced of its historic rights and shall not give up a single inch of its territories."

The Premier also highlighted that "the issue of Morocco's territorial integrity requires, at the national level, vigilance, a general mobilization and the reinforcement of development and urbanization efforts in the southern provinces.

On the international level, he added, this issue "necessitates intensified diplomatic action and consolidating the presence of Morocco in international fora to champion the legitimacy of our right and to unveil the attempts of the enemies of our national cause."