Speaking to the press at the end of a meeting with a Moroccan ministerial delegation led by Interior Minister, Chakib Benmoussa, Blazy said "I would like to describe this plan as serious and constructive," adding that he was "very happy to receive a Moroccan delegation that makes us the first ones to consider the autonomy plan" for the Southern Provinces.

    The plan consists in granting Morocco's Southern Provinces, the Sahara, large autonomy under the sovereignty of Morocco. The Sahara has been source of dispute between Morocco and the Polisario, which claims its separation from the rest of the country.

    During his visit to France, Benmoussa is accompanied by Minister Delegate for the Interior, Fouad Ali El Himma, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, Taieb Fassi Fihri, and Director of Moroccan Intelligence, Yassine Mansouri.

    Fihri said the elaboration of the plan involves “all political parties, as well and the concerned population in the South,” adding that “we are also open to discussion with the major partners.

    We believe that we are in line with the Security Council and with its call to a political and mutually accepted solution within the framework of a deal.” 

    The delegation was received, Monday, by President Jacques Chirac, who described the autonomy project as “constructive.”