Sahara issue settlement lies in respect of Moroccan sovereignty, El Yazghi

The political solution to the Sahara conflict lies in the respect of the sovereignty of Morocco over its Southern provinces and this is the sole means to put an end to this artificial conflict that affects the region and its stability and security, said in Bouznika on Friday Mohamed El Yazghi.

The first secretary of the Socialist Union for Popular Forces (USFP) called Algeria to engage in "a genuine dialog," for Morocco is committed to dialog and solidarity to secure a political solution to the Sahara issue in the respect of national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

Algeria is backing the separatist "Polisario" movement that has been claiming the separation of the Moroccan Southern provinces, known as the sahara, since Morocco retrieved them from Spanish rule in 1975 under the Madrid accords signed by Spain, Morocco and Mauritania.

At the opening of the USFP 7th congress in Bouznika, some 60 km south of Rabat, El Yazghi also called on Algeria to work for building together "a vital grouping" in the Maghreb region to make of it a strong partner in the Euro-Mediterranean space.

The USFP official said the International community should intervene to help the Moroccans still detained in Polisario camps in Tindouf, South-West Algeria. El Yazghi, also minister of territory development, water and environment, said the Moroccan government alternance has contributed to put democratic transition on rail, foster trust between the various political actors and opened prospects to find solution to social and human rights issues.