In this message, sheikhs, politicians, notables and representatives of civil society in the region express in their own name and on behalf of "all the faithful subjects of His Majesty the King in this beloved area of the Kingdom, their feelings of loyalty and fidelity and their unwavering commitment and support to all initiatives undertaken by the enlightened monarch for the prosperity and comprehensive, integrated and sustainable development of the region ".
Convinced of its historical rights, Morocco will continue to work in good faith to reach a consensual political solution to the Sahara issue within the framework of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Interior Minister, Chakib Benmoussa said Friday in the southern city of Laayoune.
The north Africa kingdom, which is working in good faith and with a spirit of realism, will ensure the continuation of talks to achieve a fair, political and long-lasting solution to the issue of its territorial integrity as part of the autonomy plan, described by the international community as courageous and realistic, Benmoussa said during a meeting with the tribal leaders of the Saharan region of Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia Al Hamra.
In a bid to solve the 34-year dispute over the Sahara with the Algerian-backed Polisario separatists, Morocco proposed in 2007 to grant the territory broad autonomy under its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As all previously proposed solutions proved to be inapplicable, doomed to failure and lacking realism, Morocco proposed autonomy, which is not a position of weakness but a realistic initiative that reflects a genuine desire to work with all the parties concerned to build a better future.
During this meeting, devoted to examining the economic, social and security situation in the region and to implement development programs in the southern provinces, the minister emphasized the commitment of Morocco to the consecration of the rule of law and respect of the fundamental human rights principles, and its will to thwart the plots of the country's enemies that aim to undermine the achievements of the Kingdom in this field.
He also said Morocco seeks to ensure security and stability in the region and to fight, under the rule of law, against any acts aimed at harming the public order.
Benmoussa stressed that Morocco will firmly oppose the individuals and groups who undertake acts undermining the values of the Moroccan society, its cohesion, national unity and territorial integrity, making clear that it is no more acceptable that certain parties benefit from the climate of freedom and the achievements made in the field of human rights to undermine the territorial integrity of the Kingdom.
He underlined that Morocco will pursue its development efforts in the southern provinces to meet the social and economic needs of local residents, particularly in terms of employment, housing and health.
The minister called on the leaders of the tribes to continue their mobilization and to take initiatives for the territorial integrity and for defending the values of citizenship, expressing the willingness of his ministry to examine their proposals.
This meeting was also an opportunity for the tribal leaders to reiterate their mobilization behind HM King Mohammed VI, and to renew their support to the autonomy plan, while denouncing the positions of the enemies of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the acts of certain individuals to undermine the public order.
Source: MAP
News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas