Mali says recognition of Sahrawi Republic is error of the past
Malian Prime Minister, Ibrahim Boubacar Kaita, said his country's recognition of the so-called "Sahrawi republic" was a "legacy" of former president, Moussa Traore, adding that the present authorities do not want to insult the future of Mali's relations with Morocco.
The Malian official told MAP that it was not (current) president Alpha Oumar Konare who recognized the "SADR" republic. It was a legacy that Moroccans were intelligent and understanding enough to let us handle. He added that his country is trying to handle the situation to the best in the interest of the sub-region.
After he paid tribute to the Moroccan king, the royal family and the Moroccan people, the head of the Malian government went on that even when Mali committed the act (of recognizing the self-proclaimed republic), Morocco took measures with several countries, but not with Mali, maintaining steadfast relations with Mali.
"Even when we, Malians, somehow forgot our duty of brotherly and friendship with Morocco, the king, H.M. Hassan II, never insulted the future," he insisted.
He further attributed the change in his country's position regarding the sahara issue to the "deep esteem and great consideration that President Alpha Oumar Konare has for the Moroccan king and people.
"We are extremely sensitive to the affection that His Majesty has for our country. I have to tell you that we are as attached to the person of the King and to the royal family as all Moroccans are. Each time, it is with much emotion that I listen to His Majesty who is a great man of culture and a skilled politician. We are proud to be his friends and his brothers."
Mali recognized the "SADR," proclaimed by an Algerian-backed guerilla movement claiming the independence of Moroccan southern provinces under the reign of Moussa Traore. After the ousting of Traore in 1991, the new Malian authorities did not withdraw the recognition but have no relationship with the puppet republic.
Observers believe that Mali's geographic location, as it shares borders with Algeria, in addition to the tuareg problem make it necessary for Mali to seek a balance between international legality and the need to preserve its relations with its northern neighbors, Algeria which is backing the phantom republic.
