A Significant Shift in Spain’s Foreign Policy Towards Morocco and the Western Sahara

Spain Shifts for Peace and Economic Development across the Straits

Recently, the coalition Government of Spain led by the Socialist Party of PM Pedro Sanchez told Rabat on Friday that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries(1). https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-backs-spains-shift-western-saharan-autonomy-2022-03-1/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaig

The European Union Position

?The European Union welcomed this advance as it deals with other significant issues like Russia and Ukraine. Nabila Massrali, a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, told reporters on Monday: "The European Union welcomes any positive development...between its member states and Morocco in their bilateral relations, which can only be beneficial for the implementation of the Euro-Moroccan partnership(2)." But she also reaffirmed the EU's support for the efforts of the U.N. secretary-general for a "just, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the Western Sahara issue"(3).

Background

Western Sahara had been held by Spain until 1975 when then President Genera Francisco Franco wanted to divest it as a Spanish Protectorate but Morocco, Mauritania and indigenous Saharwi claimed different parts of the territory. The “Green March” of Moroccan settlers to Western Sahara led to the Madrid Accords that set a path for all parties in 1975(4). Madrid Accords - UjamaaLive

Recent History from 1975-Present

Conflict broke out between Morocco, Mauritania and the Fronte POLISARIO, an indigenous Saharwi Group of the self-proclaimed Saharan Arab Democratic Republic backed by Algeria, Libya, Cuba, Vietnam and the USSR. ?In 1990-1991 the United Nations Security Council established MINURSO, the UN Mission for the Referendum in the Western Sahara and a cease fire between Morocco and the POLISARIO. ?Over time it became apparent that establishing who in the Western Sahara can vote is problematic.?Too much time has passed to determine who can legitimately register and vote. So, some involved parties began advocating for an autonomy or confederation plan for the Saharwi under the protection of Morocco. The Western Saharahas benefitted from Moroccan infrastructure and commerce in the areas it controls. Otherwise the economic conditions would be difficult if the POLISARIO tried to go it alone.??????????????????????

Why The Autonomy Plan ?

Since 2007 this has been the position of the Moroccan government declared by King Mohammed the VI. The position of the Kingdom of Morocco on the Sahara issue, represented in the autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, enjoys an "important international support", underlined, on Thursday, Spanish magazine Atalayar(5.)?Sahara Issue: Morocco's Autonomy Plan Enjoys 'Important International Support' - Spanish Magazine | MapNews?PM Pedro Sanchez has stated this in a public forum(6).

Date :18-03-2022

Rabat - Here follows a statement by the Royal Office in Rabat Morocco:?

"Spain considers the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco as the basis, the most serious, realistic and credible, for the resolution of the dispute" about the Moroccan Sahara.

In a message addressed to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God assist Him, the President of the Government of Spain, H.E.M. Pedro Sánchez, stressed that he "recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco". As such, "Spain considers the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007, as the basis, the most serious, realistic and credible, for resolving the dispute".

He also stressed "the serious and credible efforts of Morocco within the framework of the United Nations to find a mutually acceptable solution.

In his message to the Sovereign, the President of the Spanish Government also stressed that "the two countries are inextricably linked by affections, history, geography, interests and shared friendship”. Mr. Sanchez said he was "convinced that the destinies of both peoples are liked as well" and that "the prosperity of Morocco is linked to that of Spain, and vice versa”.

"Our goal is to build a new relationship, based on transparency and permanent communication, mutual respect and agreements signed by both parties, as well as the refrain of any unilateral action, commensurate with the importance of everything we share," said the President of the Spanish Government in his message to the Sovereign.

In this context, "Spain will act with the absolute transparency that corresponds to a great friend and ally”. "I assure you that Spain will always keep its commitments and its word", added H.E. Pedro Sánchez.

In addition, in this message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God assist Him, the President of the Government of Spain reiterated his "determination to face together the common challenges, especially the cooperation for the management of migratory flows in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, always acting in a spirit of full cooperation”.

"All these actions will be undertaken with the aim of guaranteeing the stability and territorial integrity of both countries", concluded the President of the Government of Spain, H.E. Pedro Sanchez, in his message to the Sovereign.

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So why is all this so important??Continued corruption and discord in Libya and Algeria?are very distracting. They cannot support the POLISARIO as they used to. Both the Maghreb and the EU need stability to promote migration controls, as well as rebuild economies after COVID-19.?Both North Africa and the EU need a stable peaceful Mediterranean Basin.?The Ukraine-Russia conflict and operations in the Black Sea are troubling for countries coming out of COVID 19.?The Socialist Party of Spain as well as her government, realizes this and has recognized the need for peace in the adjoining regions.?The Biden US Administration also realizes this and has upheld the Trump Administration’s recognition of Morocco’s desire for peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Russian Federation and Peoples Republic of China further exploit African countries for vital minerals and wealth. There needs to be European and African Regional Leaders to oppose their efforts.?

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Washington, through its Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, has reiterated, from Rabat, the position of the United States in favor of Morocco, considering the Moroccan autonomy proposal to be "serious", "credible" and "realistic," noted the author of the article.

Sherman also highlighted the role of Morocco "in maintaining peace and security in the region," says Atalayar, emphasizing the importance of Sherman's visit to Morocco to support the position of the Kingdom on its Sahara. The Spanish magazine further notes that the thesis defended by POLISARIO separatists "does not enjoy any international support", unlike Morocco's autonomy plan which is "widely recognized and supported" by the international community(7). Sahara Issue: Morocco's Autonomy Plan Enjoys 'Important International Support' - Spanish Magazine | MapNews

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