In his speech, Khalihenna Ould Errachid said that his visit to Tan Tan comes in the framework of a sensitization campaign and direct contact with the citizens of the Saharan territories to study all the issues of concern to the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs in accordance with the goals set by His Majesty. He added that Council came to listen to all points in a transparent, open and democratic way in the context of the Moroccan Constitution.
He considered the royal decree granting the people of the southern provinces autonomy to conduct their political, economic, social and cultural affairs unprecedented decision. Morocco was considering regionalization, but there was no clearly defined project before the royal speech in Laayoune on March 25, 2006. He considered this speech as a historic initiative that would change the choices involved and the nature of administrative and management structure of the State in general. This is a formal declaration of reconciliation to rule out all negative aspects.
In addition, Mr Khalihenna also said that the referendum based on identification is not free and fair and inapplicable, either politically or technically. Morocco cannot accept to become a victim because this option would result in instability, like Darfur and Somalia and this was the conclusion made the United Nations. Therefore, it is this deadlock indeed that pushed His Majesty the King to come up with this historic project.
All disputes always end in reconciliation, leaving no reason to claim secession since there is no longer any separation between Sahrawis and His Majesty the King. This plan accords them all the economic developmental, social and cultural rights and the new stage requires that everyone should know that the options set out are very few. There is no need to prolong the conflict and the sufferings since autonomy is adequate to the written and oral history. The Saharan tribes were associated with Morocco in all periods. In 1956 Sahrawis were members of the Liberation Army and by 1973 there was no political or military organization claiming secession until June 17, 1970. Secession leaders and always return to Morocco, a proof that the country of origin is Morocco. Sahrawis are known for their pure patriotism
The chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs reaffirmed that this project is not a diplomatic or political manoeuvre but a genuine modernist project that will change the history of the African continent. All the Sahrawi demands can be achieved. Every Sahrawi citizen throwing stones or raising a non-Moroccan flag or writing hostile emblems will be our adversary because he would be against the interests of all Saharans.
With regard to the economic, social and cultural aspects, a study will be conducted on issues of concern to the population. This first visit is to present the Council and listen to the inhabitants and will be followed by another meeting with businessmen, women, young people and others, added the chairman.
Interventions focused mostly on explaining the causes and motives of the separatist approach. Some questioned whether the city of Tan Tan was included in the autonomy plan. Some people addressed harsh criticism to Mr Ould Errachid for marginalizing Tan-tan at the time when he was minister. The meeting ended at two o'clock in the morning on Friday, 04/28/2006