In a joint call, "these MPs have in all honesty decided to support the Moroccan project of autonomy in the Sahara, after finding that the Sahara conflict constitutes a blocking factor in relations between Morocco and the Algeria, and for the construction of Maghreb," said Jean Roatta, MP representing Bouches du Rhone (south-east) and Chairman of the French-Moroccan Friendship Group at the National Assembly.

    The Moroccan project of autonomy in the Sahara, Roatta said, corresponds to the idea of a compromise preserving the interests of all, and enjoys broad international support, recalling that France has "officially and consistently supported this initiative."

     The Maghreb, said Roatta, also deputy mayor of Marseilles, should be able to make its full contribution to the Union for the Mediterranean, so that this part of the world can take up the challenges it faces and benefits from the potential it holds.

    Settling this conflict and improving relations between Morocco and Algeria has become a "pressing need" for the good of the peoples of the Maghreb, but also that of Europe and particularly France, he concluded.

    During his last visit to Morocco (October 2007), French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, had, in a speech before the Moroccan parliament, voiced hope that the autonomy proposal, "can serve as a basis for negotiations to find a reasonable settlement" to the Sahara issue.