"Morocco, which participated in these negotiations, with sincerity and good faith, reiterates its commitment to move forward in this process in order to reach a final solution to this dispute, a solution that is respectful of the Kingdom's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that enables the populations of the region to enjoy autonomy as a realistic and lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara," said El Fassi, recalling that the autonomy proposal has created a momentum in the UN-sponsored negotiations under way.

    In this respect, the minister noted that "the Moroccan autonomy initiative, which is the result of efforts that were described by the Security Council as serious and credible, was submitted following wide international consultations and an intensive consultation process at the national level with the participation of the population of the Sahara region.”

    “As a result, the Security Council unanimously adopted three successive resolutions (1754, 1783 and 1813) which call upon the parties to enter into true negotiations, in a spirit of realism and consensus, taking into consideration the latest developments and particularly the Moroccan initiative, which launched a new dynamic in favor of a lasting solution to this conflict,” the Prime minister pointed out.

    Morocco, he went on, “has presented the autonomy initiative for the Sahara as an open framework for negotiations to close, once and for all, this artificial conflict,” for, he said, the Kingdom is “strongly convinced and deeply committed to overcome all obstacles that impede the establishment of the Arab Maghreb and the normalization of relations among the member states.”

    “An integrated and stable Arab Maghreb that is open on its environment can play a key role in favor of peace and security and the development of cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean and contribute to enhancing African integration. It will also serve as an efficient and credible partner to achieve the goals for which the United Nations Organization was created," the Prime Minister said.

    Since its independence, he recalled, the Kingdom of Morocco has made of the creation of the Arab Maghreb a strategic option and spared no efforts towards the accomplishment of this project and towards the revitalization of its institutions.”