"We partially entered in this issue and we'll go into more details in the next round on the subject of what multiple and diverse concepts of self-determination .We believe that autonomy is part of self-determination, if agreed by the parties. When the parties agree, regardless of their differences, on something it is considered as self-determination, because it is a commitment between the parties on what has been agreed upon".
National and international reactions about first round of Manhasset negotiations
François de Vevey, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs - Belgian Senate:
Sitting face to face at the negotiating table changes the data. The openness that characterized the Moroccan diplomacy is important because it gives a margin of negotiations. Some commentators said that the Moroccan position was not strictly specific; the opposite is true, it is a privilege for Morocco and can move within.
Armand De Decker, Belgian Minister of Cooperation for Development,: I'm glad the international community recognized Moroccan initiative through a plan for autonomy for the Sahara. Belgium will do everything to help reach an agreement in this direction.
Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg:
The efforts made by Morocco to reach this stage at the United Nations are important. The objective is to find political settlement to this problem which has lasted several years. If we take the European Union, which has political and economic goals, and the Maghreb, with its economic and energetic trend, there are opportunities for cooperation. It may also become an economic and political bloc with the European Union and others and this is in the interest of Morocco and Algeria.
Ms. Christina Klassen spokeswomen on behalf of the Commissioner on foreign policy and security in the EU: the start of direct negotiations in New York under the auspices of the United Nations is important. We are encouraged by the optimism and willingness of the parties to work constructively and openly, at the same time.
We must acknowledge the difficulty of the problem, which requires seriousness and redoubled efforts. Most importantly, good will to achieve progress in negotiations.
The European Union considers it an important step; without doubt, we strongly support the efforts of the United Nations.
Bernard Kouchner, French Foreign Minister: I know the efforts made by Morocco. Now we are talking about the scheme and tendency to apply it. I hope it to be successful. This is what I’ve been wishing for thirty years.
France has proposed its good intentions. It is not France’s responsibility to find a solution to the problem of the Polisario. Our Moroccan friends know that they can rely on us, but we must find a political settlement and that is entrusted to the United Nations
Ivan Rodriguez, businessman from the Canary Islands: The coincidence between this Moroccan- Canary meeting and direct negotiations is a good. Negotiations are the first step on the road to autonomy in the southern provinces proposed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI .It is a courageous initiative by Morocco and a good proposal for negotiations success in New York
Mohamed Lakhassassi, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces: I think the parties should demonstrate the same level of good faith to find a solution for the tragedy especially of the Moroccan Sahrawi refugees detained in Tindouf.
Abdelilah Benkirane, Justice and Development Party:
My feeling is that this meeting was not negative. We can say it was positive for Morocco. However, we should make it clear to the public that the problem is with Algeria. If there is enough pressure to positively engage Algeria in this solution, we will find a solution.
Mohammed Mobdiae, Union of People's Movements:
Everyone believes that finding a solution requires time, if not in the first round, we will hold further rounds in the framework of legality and international principles.
Ahmed Lahouid, Association activist:
As civil society, we appreciate these negotiations that we have received positively because they demonstrate a will to solve this problem which has created human suffering for more than 30 years.
Ibrahim Lghazal, member of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs: The Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, sticks to the ground that we have set, which was the culmination socio-political efforts in the region which is autonomy initiative to which everybody contributed.
News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas