The head of Spanish diplomacy reiterated his country's position "in line with international legality" to find a "just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution that guarantees the free determination of Sahrawis."

    Madrid "has not to judge or prejudge the content to give to the principle of free determination". "It is up to the parties to determine this content" through negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations," Moratinos said at a meeting in Madrid with the foreign reporters accredited in Spain.

    Concerning the role the European Union can play under the Spanish Presidency (in January 2010) to help find a solution to the conflict, he said that the EU "should provide policy umbrella for a possible negotiated solution and promote integration of Maghreb countries."

    EU relations with North Africa and Maghreb countries will be among the priorities of European diplomacy under the Spanish presidency, asserted the head of Spanish diplomacy.

    He also said that Spain will try to promote a "common diplomatic vision and action"  between Spain, France and the United States to help find a solution to the 33-year Sahara dispute.

    "All diplomatic efforts should go through three capitals, namely Madrid, Paris and Washington, under the auspices of the United Nations," Moratinos said.

    Morocco, like many countries, considers autonomy as a form of advanced self-determination, which is in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

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