This rejection is based on the fact that MINURSO is responsible, under the 1991 agreement, for monitoring cease-fire and organizing the referendum, systematically rendered obsolete by other parties, and under Chapter VI of the UN Charter every resolution must be accepted by all parties, the minister said in response to a question submitted by the Socialist group, Justice and Development, Democratic Progress, Istiqlali for unity and egalitarianism and Authenticity and Modernity at the House of Representatives.

The rejection of any attempt to change the mandate of MINURSO also stems from the fact that the Kingdom will never accept that any party undermines its sovereignty, he added, stressing that the national sovereignty and homeland security is a principle enshrined in international law.

On the political front, Morocco rejected the proposal, emphasizing the political settlement in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, instead of raising other matters on purpose to derail this process, he said.

"Morocco, while reiterating its readiness to cooperate with MINURSO so that it can fulfill its mission, is fully committed to reject any distortion or politicization of the core mandate of the UN mission." he said.

Regarding human rights, the minister said that the Kingdom, taking a proactive approach, has taken initiatives to promote human rights, including in the Sahara, through bold and tangible reforms under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, and these reforms have been welcomed by the Secretary General of the UN in his reports during the last two years.

In this wake, Mr. El Otmani noted that Morocco has made great strides towards strengthening the autonomy of national mechanisms and the opening of UN special procedures, adding that the proposal for the establishment of an international mechanism to monitor human rights in the Sahara litters efforts made by Morocco in the field, this project is "devoid of any realistic foundation for such a mechanism has never been proposed in a similar situation," he said.

In the same vein, Mr. El Otmani said that Morocco "has nothing to hide," mentioning the recent visit by the EU rapporteur on human rights. "We may be the only country in the region to have invited other international rapporteurs to visit the territory, believing in the seriousness of the reforms undertaken by Morocco in the field of human rights," he argued.

On the other hand, the Minister noted that the urgent and immediate demand in the field of human rights is to identify sequestered in Tindouf camps, with the requirement that the High Commissioner UN refugees to ensure their protection and allow them, including children, women and the elderly, to join the motherland, in accordance with international agreements and the Geneva Convention on refugees. "

On the security front, El Otmani noted that the increase in threats in the region requires to take all necessary precautions to deal with this threat, saying that the proposal to expand the mandate of MINURSO opens the door wide to anarchy.

He added that the proposal is "a purely political and biased stance, in favor of the interests of other parties and threatens to undermine the political process and expose the region to all eventualities," saying that all parties have the  duty to assume their responsibilities.

Mentioning the positions taken by Morocco, its diplomatic efforts and visits by high-level delegations, sent by King Mohammed VI to a number of member countries of the Security Council, Mr. El Otmani said the Moroccan position draws its strength from the union of the Moroccan people, all national forces and their constant mobilization behind the King for the defense of the Kingdom’s integrity.

- News and events on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas -