The idea of autonomy proposed by Morocco currently qualified as serious and credible solution by the international community and the various resolutions of the Security Council has already been mentioned in the past "because the Polisario agreed to discuss it at a secret meeting I organized in Geneva in 1996," continued Mr. Jensen, a connoisseur of the question for leading MINURSO from 1993 to 1998.

Polisario was "definitely interested at this time, but has since changed its mind as soon as this settlement plan has resurfaced," said the former Special Representative before the 193 delegates of Member States, for whom " Polisario is perhaps not able to decide alone. "


Today, continued Mr. Jensen who has just published the second edition of his book "Sahara: Anatomy of an impasse," a negotiated solution based on realism and a spirit of compromise is a priority character in the new regional order marked by profound changes in the threat and the dangers of "separatism, terrorism, organized crime and political instability."

The ongoing changes in the world, both alarming and hopeful, encourage to discuss precisely broad autonomy respecting local characteristics, which in fact, he insisted, the "most realistic solution ".

In this context, Morocco, through the choices made in the context of deep reforms initiated by King Mohammed VI, offers a new momentum to engage in substantive discussions on the autonomy plan.

Indeed, he emphasized before the participants in the debates, the new constitution while enshrining the plural identity of Morocco expands individual freedoms, promotes human rights and guarantees the independence of the judiciary, in the context of a genuine parliamentary democracy.
 
These measures, once implemented can only serve the climate negotiations, he said, noting that "the democratic process and respect for human rights allow the initiative to be fully autonomous" .

In this connection, the Security Council did not make a mistake noting particularly the provisions relating to human rights.

It is clear to Jensen that the Sahara conflict is the biggest obstacle to the realization of the Maghreb Union. A union that gives North African countries bright prospects for economic development in a stable, prosperous North Africa to meet future challenges.

Therefore, failing in resolving the Sahara conflict is not only a failure for the aspirations of the peoples of the region, but an open door to all perils. A scenario that serves the interests of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) which looks for young unemployed and frustrated people, he said.


The representative of Morocco highlights Morocco's position on the Sahara issue before the Security Council

- News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas -