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Join on Telegram Rabat – During the recent United Nations Security Council vote on the new resolution regarding the Western Sahara dispute, France’s Ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, reiterated his country’s steadfast support for Morocco’s position.
“For France, the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the context in which this issue must be resolved,” he said.
De Riviere emphasized that France’s backing of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 remains “clear and consistent.”
He stated the need for a political solution that respects Morocco’s territorial integrity while encouraging dialogue among all parties involved.
The ambassador asserted that his country believes that the autonomy initiative is the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with UNSC resolutions, adding that it was also important for the council to acknowledge this moment as it does in the new text adopted.
“The ongoing economic and social development of this region is imperative, we commend all efforts made by Morocco in this regard. France will support Morocco in this process,” he added.
Within this context, the French diplomat renewed his country’s new historic position announced by President Emmanuel Macron in July, and more recently again on his State visit to Morocco which concluded this week.
During the visit, he reiterated that the present and future of the dispute lies within Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
“Rooted in history, respectful of realities, and promising for the future, this position is what France will implement to support Morocco in international forums. And I also say here that this position is not hostile to anyone,” Macron said in his address to the Moroccan Parliament on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted on Resolution 2756, extending the mandate of MINURSO, the peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, for another year.
The resolution received 12 votes for, while Russia and Mozambique abstained and Algeria – a non-permanent member – boycotted.
During the session, the UN Security Council rejected two amendments proposed by Algeria to the draft resolution.
