"A microstate in the Maghreb region cannot be feasible and only the autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty can guarantee the political, cultural and social rights of the Sahrawis and ensure them a dignified life of peace and prosperity," Soares told MAP on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, this weekend, of Marrakech days in Silves (300 km south of Lisbon).

    The autonomy proposal has given a "new momentum" to the efforts aiming at settling the Sahara issue which "has lasted too long," said Soares, describing as "sincere and realistic" this initiative that "deserves the support of the international community."

    Independence is an "unrealistic" option as former UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Peter Van Walsum had underlined, pointed out Soares, adding that the Moroccan proposal reflects the "sincere will of Morocco to find a final political solution to this problem that guarantees the rights of all parties."

    Neighboring countries should be involved in the efforts made by the international community to find a solution to the Sahara on the basis of the Moroccan proposal, she said.

    Stressing that dialogue between the parties must be maintained to achieve a mutually acceptable solution, Soares added that it is not necessary to "start from scratch" as pointed out U.S State Secretary, Condoleezza Rice during her last Maghreban tour in September.

    Soares also praised the advanced status that was granted to Morocco by the European Union, a step, she said, that demonstrates the confidence placed by the Europeans in the "Moroccan model and reforms undertaken by the Kingdom”.

    The Portuguese official also hailed the "success" of the Marrakech cultural week, held from 11 to 18 October in Silves, adding that this event has enabled Silves’ inhabitants and the region of the Algarve to discover the richness of Moroccan culture through culture, arts and gastronomy of the ocher city.

Source: MAP 
News and events on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas