Speaking to MAP here Tuesday on the latest developments on the Western Sahara issue at the United Nations, El Otmani noted that this rejection was based on "obvious political, security, and legal considerations".
"This position is permanent and shall not change. It is based on obvious political, security and legal considerations," he said.
El Otmani added that since the introduction in 2007 by Morocco of an initiative to grant the Western Sahara autonomy, the issue of human rights had been constantly exploited in an attempt to deflect the negotiation process and serve as a pretext for other parties not to engage in negotiating a political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.
"Morocco, on its own accord, adopted measures and initiatives for the promotion and protection of human rights, including in the Sahara region. These measures are in line with the bold and substantial reforms launched by King Mohammed VI, which the UN security Council itself has commended," he said.
"In this context, strengthening the independence of national mechanisms and adopting the special procedures of the United Nations largely meet the expectations of the international community, particularly the members of the Security Council," said El Otmani.
He stressed that Morocco remained confident in the wisdom of the members of the Security Council and their ability to sustain the gains, build consensus, strengthen the process and ensure the respect of the parameters that have guided the work of the Security Council on this matter.
The so-called Western Sahara conflict is a conflict imposed on Morocco by Algeria which supports and hosts on its territory, Tindouf, the Polisario separatist movement which is seeking independence for the Western Sahara.
The Polisario, backed by the Algerian government, demands the creation of a fictitious state in the Maghreb, a stand which blocks all efforts of the international community for economic integration and regional security.
News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas