“With regard to the Moroccan autonomy plan, we have made clear that Morocco’s autonomy plan is serious, realistic, and credible, and that it represents a potential approach that could satisfy the aspirations of the people in the Western Sahara to run their own affairs in peace and dignity”, he told the hearing.

“U.S. policy toward the Western Sahara has remained consistent for many years”, insisted Roebuck, stressing “We support the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara and UN-led efforts to find a peaceful, sustainable and mutually-agreed solution to the Western Sahara conflict.”

The US official further stressed that “the United States and Morocco enjoy a very strong bilateral relationship,” “focused on promoting regional stability, supporting democratic reform efforts, countering violent extremism, and strengthening trade and cultural ties.”

Roebuck also noted “the growing role” of Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) “as a credible and proactive defender of human rights,” and cited the country’s “important steps forward in strengthening the protection of human rights.”

He also pointed out that the work visit paid in November 2013 by King Mohammed VI to Washington “provided an opportunity for the United States to reaffirm our close strategic partnership with Morocco”

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS