In a joint statement issued Sunday simultaneously in Rabat and Malabo, following the official visit of King Mohammed VI to Equatorial Guinea (April 16-19), President Mbasogo reaffirmed his country's support to the Moroccan initiative for negotiating an autonomy status, a "solid proposal that constitutes the real basis for finding a final political solution to this artificial conflict."

    In this respect, the two Heads of State underline "the potential threat of the persistence of this conflict, which undermines the territorial integrity and the development of regional integration in line with the aspirations of African peoples," says the same source.

    Deploring the absence of Morocco from the African Union, Equatorial Guinea "urged to remove all obstacles to its return to the large African family."

    Tackling the political situation in the continent, Morocco and Equatorial Guinea have expressed their concern about the continued armed outbreaks and political tension, in addition to their consequences on peace and stability.

    In this spirit, the two Heads of State have expressed their "deep commitment to the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights, freedom and the promotion of good political governance," the joint statement says.

    The two Heads of State have "condemned without reservation" terrorism, piracy and mercenary activities and renewed their determination to "fully contribute to the efforts of the international community to fight and eradicate them," adds the same source.

    In this regard, the sovereign and President Mbasogo have urged the international community to "join in the efforts of African countries to preserve and consolidate peace, security and stability in the continent."

Source: MAP
News and events on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas