The United Nations Security Council on Monday decided to extend the mandate of MINURSO for one year, while enshrining, once again, the preeminence of the Moroccan autonomy initiative to settle the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The number of European Union member countries that appreciate and support the autonomy plan has risen to 14 following the position expressed on Thursday by the Czech Republic, thanks to the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

Morocco reiterated its position before the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa on Friday, highlighting the connections between terrorists and other criminal groups, separatists, and various entities associated with transnational organized crime.

The Czech Republic considers the Autonomy Plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible effort by the Kingdom of Morocco and as "good basis" for a mutually agreed-upon solution between the parties.

Gabon has reiterated, before the 4th committee of the UN General Assembly in New York, its support for the Autonomy plan which presents "credible and reassuring" prospects to end the regional dispute over the Sahara.