In an interview with MAP, MEP noted that ''EU controls all the aid it gives, whether of European structural funds and agricultural subsidies. It is a principle of justice and democracy '', adding that embezzlement of European humanitarian aid to those sequestered in Tindouf, Algeria was revealed by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

'' The European aid should really go to those most vulnerable, those who really need it, '' said Mr Bayet, adding that he questioned, once again, the European Commission on this issue.

He said he had also asked the Commission about the need for a population census in Tindouf camps to assess the volume of this aid and avoid overestimation.

'' This census is a must. We need to know exactly how many people need help, '' he insisted.

The damning report of OLAF stressed, in fact, that various amounts of assistance funded by the European Commission are diverted from their intended recipients for several years. This document specifies that the distribution of food aid has been made on the basis of erroneous figures, a census of the population that have never been realized.

In addition to the OLAF report, the issue of humanitarian aid embezzlemnt by Polisario has been denounced by many international organizations which decided to suspend their aid to Tindouf camps, or even to stop it permanently. The MEP, on the other hand, stressed the urgency of finding a solution to the Sahara conflict, "which has lasted too long," adding that '' the status quo is worsening the situation '' in the region.

He mentioned that the international community had rejected the organization of a "self-determination referendum" considered impractical and obsolete.

'' There is talk about self-determination what is self-determination. Compared to whom and over what '' he noted. '' Before we talk of self-determination, we must know to whom we talk. How should we define a Sahraoui. Is it a nomad ? Is it someone who belongs to a territory. We can find Sahrawis in the United States, Canada, Mauritania ..., '' he noted.

The MEP, also stressed the important role played by Morocco in the fight against terrorism.

"Morocco is the pillar of Europe in Africa," he said, adding that the EU can not work alone isolated from the world.

He said the EU has strengthened its collaboration with the United Kingdom, including in the fight against terrorism, cooperation is relevant, he said, '' Morocco is a democratic state that works with and institutions with which Europe has relationships for a long time. ''

Morocco, he continued, is also a '' true ally '' of the EU with regard to the management of migration flows, and for several years the Kingdom meets its commitments with the EU.

'' Relations between Morocco and the EU should be tightned and we should continue working with the Kingdom in security, struggle against terrorism and in the agricultural and economic fields in general, '' he added.

- News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas-