The five Mauritanian political leaders, namely, Ahmed Ouled Doman (Liberal Party) Ouled Mohamed Iddih (Popular Congress) Othman Mohamed Abdellah Otaleb (Democratic Alliance, Lebbat Ould Ittah (third generation party) and Ould Mohamed Bah (Labour and National Unity) have held talks described as "instructive and friendly" with the CORCAS chairman Wednesday morning. Ould Ahmed Doman has stressed that "these talks have led to better understanding of this dispute".
On the afternoon of the same day, leaders of the five parties were received by Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi. Again, discussions took place in an atmosphere marked by "mutual confidence and convergence of views".
Finally, it should be noted that the five parties visiting Morocco, together with five other political Mauritanian parties support the Presidency.
Le Matin: What is the objective of your visit to Morocco?
Ahmed Ould Domane: We are here to help as a political party strengthen and develop bilateral relations between the peoples of Morocco and Mauritania.
This visit is an initiative by several parties of the majority to express their support to the development efforts undertaken by Morocco in the socio-economic field.
We are here also to congratulate the Kingdom for its outstanding reforms undertaken at the political and institutional fields. We appreciate the progress carried out in the political, economic, social and human right domains.
Regarding the Sahara issue, given that our parties (i.e the front making the majority supporting the presidency) are unionist parties, which have always advocated Arab unity, our position is clear: we are against All fragmentation of an Arab country.
That is why we are completely in favour of autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. The union is necessary in the globalized world and made of groupings and alliances. We also call for Maghreb unity as first step in building a unified Arab world. We call for the union of the Arab countries and a fortiori to the union within a single state.
The colonizer has divided our people, we can not complete his work by further fragmentation. We must work for unity. It is in everyone's interest. This is why we consider that the Moroccan proposal for the autonomy of southern provinces is an objective, constructive proposal and could very well provide the basis for a fair and just solution.
Le Matin: What issues you discussed with the chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (Corcas)?
Ahmed Ould Domane: Indeed, we have had discussions with the President and the Council Members.
The President gave us a briefing on the situation, steps and dimensions of this problem. We were thus able to understand the situation and learn more about this issue.
We learned a lot of things. Generally, talks were fruitful. We were pleasantly surprised to see people from southern provinces serving in the Council, with a remarkable intellectual level.
This is important in the sense that a lot of our problems are due to ignorance and misunderstanding. However, we believe that Morocco and Mauritania, are one people in two states. We have the same concerns, the same aspirations. If there is instability in one country, the other one suffers by force of circumstances.
One is inevitably affected by what's happening in the other, given the neighborhood and cultural, historical and economic relations between the two countries.
Le Matin: What do you think about the creation of Corcas?
Ahmed Ould Domane: The constitution of this Council is a pioneer step. Because first, it represents the majority of the Saharawi people who are currently in the southern provinces.
There should be a body speaking on their behalf and defending their interests. They are involved in the management of their affairs. According to the explanations that have been given to us, the council’s members are chosen on the basis of objective and fair representation. That is why the creation of this Council is important.
Le Matin: What are your predictions concerning the third round of negotiations between Morocco and Polisario?
Ahmed Ould Domane: We hope there will be a just and final solution to this problem that hinders the march of progress in the Maghreb region.
The development of relations between states in the AMU is down mainly because of this conflict. Relations between Morocco and Algeria will suffer enormously. We want Manhasset 3 mark the beginning of the solution.
Mauritania will take part in the talks as an observer. We do not speak on behalf of the State of Mauritania, because we do not represent it. We speak on behalf of the majority parties who believe that if there is good faith, an agreement can be found. Because once again, broad autonomy is the ideal solution.
Le Matin: After knowing the implications and consequences of the Sahara issue, don’t you intend, once back in your country, to try to change the official position of Mauritania (neutral), so it will back the settlement plan proposed by Morocco?
Ahmed Ould Domane: Let me reiterate that the presentation made by the chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs has been very useful and informative.
It enabled us to learn a number of details that we were not aware of. We will convey those ideas to the Mauritanian public. I believe that in so doing we will contribute to a change in some positions.
The clarification which we have been provided, are of utmost importance. Anyway, we will transmit all this to other parties.
The Moroccan proposal is serious and likely to bring about a final solution. The Mauritanian people hope that a solution is found. It goes without saying that this conflict has a negative impact on its security and development.