Mr. Khalihnenna Ould Errachid paid on December 11, 2008 a visit to the European institutions. The visit was marked by the meeting with the High European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
Corcas chairman meets European Commissioner for External Relations
Following a meeting in Brussels with Chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS), Khalihenna Ould Errachid, Ferrero-Waldner said 2008 was a special year in the Moroccan-EU relations with the adoption of the Advanced Status.
"The year 2008 was a particularly important year as far as the EU-Moroccan relations are concerned, since we have established together the Advanced Status and we are now working on the details and the very important substance of this status," she said in a statement to the press.
"We have tackled the negotiation process under the aegis of the United Nations, and we have highlighted the necessity to reach an urgent solution in conformity with the will of the international community," Ould Errachid said on his part, hailing EU's position in favor of a final solution to the Sahara issue.
"Morocco has presented a realistic and feasible autonomy proposal, he said, deeming it "a win-win solution" which benefits from the support of the international community."
Ould Errachid denounced, in this regard, the maneuvers by the enemies of Morocco's territorial integrity who refuse to respect the will of the international community.
The CORCAS Chairman who said he tackled with the EU Commissioner the issue of the appalling humanitarian situation in the Camps of Tindouf, called for an "urgent" solution to this situation.
The Moroccan official said the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the efforts made by Morocco in the field of Human Rights, pointing out that there is a "overexploitation" of this issue on the part of the enemies of the Kingdom's territorial integrity.
It was the first time that Ould Errachid was received as the Chairman of the CORCAS at the highest level of the European Commission.
King Mohammed VI reconstituted the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS) in 2005 to develop recommendations to the King regarding autonomy for the Western Sahara. It represents all of the tribes from the region and local officials, civil society members and NGOs.
Source: MAP
News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas