Statement of the Kingdom of Morocco during the first round of negotiations, Manhasset 18-19 june 2007 - 20/06/2007
First part read out by Mr. Chakib BENMOUSSA, Minister for the Interior On behalf of the Moroccan delegation, I should
like to commend the hopeful spirit marking our gathering today. This
meeting is being held, by the grace of the Almighty, under UN auspices,
and thanks to our common determination to discuss autonomy in the
Sahara region. It is an opportunity for us to renew the ties of kinship
with a group of our Sahrawi brothers. Indeed, we are all members of the
same family. Wherever trials and tribulations may take our brothers,
they are bound to come back to the merciful homeland, in accordance
with the tolerant values of Islam, the logic of history and the
inevitability of a common destiny. I am honoured to speak to you as a member of the
Moroccan delegation and as President of the Royal Advisory Council for
Saharan Affairs, which represents all Sahrawis. The Council’s
representation reflects the region’s history, customs and values, which
are themselves the product of a deep-seated tradition of honesty and
loyalty, and of a time-honoured heritage.
Second part read out by Mr. Khalihenna Ould Errachid, Chairman of Corcas
First part :
Praise be to God Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin
Excellency, Mr. Personal Envoy,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I should like to extend to you and to His Excellency Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon the sincere thanks of the Kingdom of Morocco for the
efforts made in preparing this meeting. The importance of this meeting
does not simply come from the fact that it is officially taking place.
In fact, Morocco sees in it an institutional framework for serious
negotiations in order to reach a political solution to the Sahara
question, in accordance with the pertinent Security Council resolution
1754.
We are happy that the Moroccan Initiative for negotiating autonomy for
the Sahara region should offer this opportunity to meet with our
brothers in order to work with them, with confidence and determination,
and shape a promising future for our region. The Moroccan people,
especially the inhabitants of its Sahara, and all Maghreb peoples pin
high hopes on this important meeting. Let us, therefore, live up to
their expectations.
Morocco accepted the invitation of the UN Secretary-General without any
hesitation, thereby showing its willingness to participate, in good
faith, in this promising effort, and to reiterate its determination to
cooperate with the United Nations and with all the parties to achieve a
consensual political solution.
Morocco expresses satisfaction at the presence of two neighbourly
countries, Algeria and Mauritania. To the sister nation Algeria, which
is hosting part of the Sahrawi population on its territory, Morocco
wishes to stress, once again, that it will listen to all its
constructive, unity-based proposals in order to reach a final
settlement to this dispute, and put an end to a humanitarian problem on
its soil.
We expect the sister nation Algeria to do all it can to make a
constructive contribution to the efforts being made to find a solution
to this artificial dispute. We also hope it will opt for wisdom and
rise to this historic moment, since the proud Algerian people are known
for their commitment to the symbiosis between them and the Moroccan
people. Together, we would thus enter history, on the basis of unity,
brotherhood, cooperation and the inevitability of good neighbourly
relations.
Morocco also expresses thanks and appreciation to the Mauritanian
delegation. The sister nation Mauritania has constantly sought to bring
the parties closer to one another. We take pride in the time-honoured
brotherly bonds uniting us to the Mauritanian people, and in the
relations of cooperation, understanding, solidarity and neighbourliness
which have always existed between us.
Excellency, Mr. Personal Envoy,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have come to this meeting in good faith, armed with confidence and
determination to say: Yes to looking for a consensual political
solution, for that is the only course of action towards a final,
realistic solution to this dispute, away from any vain attempts to
revive obsolete proposals. The Security Council, the United Nations, as
well as successive UN Secretaries-General and their Personal Envoys
concluded that those proposals could not be implemented, would only
undermine negotiations, and would lead to a dead-end.
Notwithstanding constant, commendable efforts, it has been impossible
for the United Nations Organizations to work out a realistic solution.
In fact, and this is most regrettable, it noted in many of its
resolutions that the stalemate simply persisted. The United Nations
very clearly recognized that the 1991 Settlement Plan was inapplicable,
and that the 2001 Framework Agreement and the 2003 Peace Plan were not
practical because of the lack of agreement between the parties.
Given the deadlocked situation, which threatened to persist
indefinitely, at the expense of the unity, stability and progress of
the peoples of the region, and in response to calls from the United
Nations as well as many sister and friendly nations, Morocco decided -
amid unanimous national consensus - to propose another track for
reaching a solution. Last April, it suggested the “Initiative for
negotiating autonomy for the Sahara region”. It is a consensual
proposal on which Morocco pins high hopes, and for which it exerted
tremendous efforts.
In a characteristic spirit of responsibility and clear-sighted policy,
Morocco made major concessions and sacrifices to achieve the above
goal, in keeping with a tradition of achieving historical
reconciliations. Morocco takes pride in these reconciliations, which
were lauded by the international community and democratic countries in
the world. Today, Morocco wants its Initiative to be the crowning
element of that process, and to reflect the determination of all
Moroccans to build a new, democratic and modern Morocco.
Appreciating this process, the Security Council, through resolution
1754 in which we take pride, welcomed the “serious and credible
Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution”. This
means new momentum has been created as a result of the Moroccan
Initiative. And this has led the Security Council to call upon the
parties to enter into negotiations. Reaffirming this pertinent
approach, the Security Council called upon the parties to take “into
account the developments of the last months”.
One might ask: what are those developments? The influential powers and
the world community agree that the reference is to the Moroccan
Initiative, which was tabled after serious preparations and extensive,
in-depth consultations, at local, national and international levels, in
accordance with a democratic, comprehensive approach. The latter is not
merely designed to achieve reconciliation between our citizens from the
Sahara; it goes beyond that because it is based on a strategic approach
for the entire region.
The moment of truth has come. There can be no more hesitation,
prevarication, obduracy, manoeuvring or tendentious interpretations.
Breaking with past practice, resolution 1754 is now the new and only
reference text whereby the international community is calling upon us
to enter into negotiations, and to reach consensual agreement in good
faith. The resolution clearly set the framework for these negotiations.
It made consensus the very means whereby to achieve the final objective
of reaching a just, final and consensual political solution which
guarantees self-determination.
A political solution means refraining from the use of force, or issuing
threats, or using violent means or any form of intimidation. Morocco
never resorted to such tactics, even at the darkest hours, invariably
preferring to favour wisdom and restraint. My country believes
disagreements between brothers cannot be settled through the use of
force. Hence, it remains committed to international covenants calling
for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Similarly, the political
solution, for the sake of which we are prepared to cooperate with the
Security Council, also means that we have to put aside previous
proposals, which proved to be inappropriate and inapplicable.
A consensual solution means that there is no room for unilateral
solutions. That is why Morocco suggested its Initiative, to serve as a
basis for negotiations, not be an end in itself. Agreement on the
solution should come before any discussion on details.
A just settlement means a solution where there is no winner and no
loser, instead of perpetuating tensions in the region. A final,
irreversible solution means we can devote our attention to the real
problems of the upcoming generations, and forge ahead with unity,
democracy and development. Such a solution would guarantee a modern,
sound form of self-determination, which preserves the unity and
security of states. That is the purpose of consensual autonomy.
The Initiative and the ensuing Security Council resolution constituted
a watershed because they were based on historical truth, political
realism and commitment to international legality. As far as
negotiations are concerned, the Kingdom of Morocco is, admittedly,
committed to serious, credible action. It is determined to strive in
good faith to ensure the success of these negotiations, and to make
positive contributions so as to resolve this protracted dispute, in
accordance with the spirit of its constructive Initiative.
Excellency, Mr. Personal Envoy,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Moroccan Initiative is not a static, non-negotiable proposal. It is
rather an open initiative which can be developed and enriched within
the framework of consensual consultations. We should like to point out,
once again, that we are prepared to discuss the Initiative as the most
appropriate basis for achieving a final, political solution. It can
lead to a historic, compromise solution that is consistent with
international legality and the principle of self-determination, as
provided for in General Assembly resolutions and confirmed by
international practice.
As stipulated in the Security Council resolution, only the negotiated
agreement will define self-determination. In this respect, and given
Morocco’s historical rights and the sacred ties binding it to its
Sahara, autonomy - as practised in democratic countries and defined in
modern law – constitutes an appropriate tool for the exercise of this
right, which Morocco is advocating. Given its democratic experience,
Morocco is in a position to achieve optimal implementation of the
autonomy plan, in a way that suits the country’s specificities and
those of the region, within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and
its inalienable national unity and territorial integrity. Since time
immemorial, the Saharan tribes and territory have always formed a basic
component of our Moroccan identity.
The Initiative also fully takes into account international standards.
The extensive powers given the Sahara region will make it possible for
all people who are from the region and those who live there to shape
their own future, within a single country which is committed to
solidarity. This is fully in line with the new social project
spearheaded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, a project based on
promotion of democracy, advancement of human rights, modernity, human
development and openness to the Kingdom’s regional environment.
Under the Moroccan Initiative, all Sahrawis - those inside the region
as well as those outside - shall enjoy life in dignity and full-fledged
citizenship. Better still, the Initiative will make it possible for
them to play a key role in all of the autonomous region’s institutions,
and, more broadly, throughout the country and in all its national
institutions.
The Moroccan Initiative is designed to serve the cause of peace. It is
a call for full reconciliation, stronger brotherly ties, family
reunification and tribal unity. Morocco is calling for concerted
efforts on the part of all those concerned to pull the carpet from
under the feet of those who fuel the dispute - and who are the prime
beneficiaries - lest they continue to sow the seeds of division
between members of the same families. Similarly, the Initiative
provides a precious opportunity to put an end to the exile and
sufferings of the populations concerned, who have had to endure the
terrible hardships brought about by separation and deprivation.
Through this Initiative, Morocco is welcoming all its sons and
daughters with open arms. It is ready and willing to contribute to
historic reconciliation between all people from the region, wherever
they may be. Mutually agreed autonomy would put these people’s fate in
their own hands, for it is they who will give the final agreement, by
means of a referendum.
Excellency, Mr. Personal Envoy,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a little over thirty years, the regional and international landscape
has changed. Morocco, too, has changed at all levels. The world put an
end to the Cold War, of which this dispute is an appalling legacy.
Today, it is necessary to open to the outside world, and to the rise to
the challenges of democracy, human rights, life in dignity, economic
and social development, Maghreb integration, stability and cooperation
in the Sahel and the Mediterranean, as well as the preservation of
regional and international peace and security.
The Kingdom of Morocco, which is committed, in its domestic and foreign
policy, to achieving these goals, is deeply aware of the major stakes
and challenges involved. It therefore stands against any introverted
inclinations or isolationist policies, which could only spell trouble
for the region. Morocco considers that with the fall of the Berlin
Wall, the era of dogmatism came to an end, and that globalization and
its constraints are now storming the world. In this context, ideologies
collapsed, as the verdict of history was served. Let us, therefore, not
miss the historic opportunity of forming solid blocs, of rising to the
challenge of promoting democracy and development, and confronting the
post-9/11 terrorist perils.
The negotiation process we are about to start today means we have to
face up to our responsibilities vis-à-vis future generations. And they
are asking the conscientious minds:
Do we want the humanitarian tragedy endured by our Sahrawi
brothers in the camps to get worse? Certainly not. We cannot accept
that. We want them to live in their country, and to fully enjoy
freedom, life in dignity and the benefits of full-fledged citizenship.
Is the objective to fuel tensions in the region and pave the way
for balkanization, with the risk that all peoples and tribes in the
region might be engulfed? Morocco is keen to protect our region against
divisions and instability, and to ensure its unity in this era of
strong blocs and coalitions.
Shall we sit idle while the threat of organized crime and
terrorism is getting bigger and bigger? Or shall we try and shield our
countries against these perils, which cannot be ascribed to a specific
country or faith? The security and stability of Morocco, and those of
its neighbours and, indeed, the entire region form one indivisible
whole.
Our future lies in reconciliation, peace and regional cooperation. They
are the right way to building the Arab Maghreb Union, with its five
member States, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the founding
Marrakech Treaty. As far as the Kingdom of Morocco is concerned,
building the Arab Maghreb Union is as strategic as it is indispensable.
It is essential for the promotion of African solidarity and for
consolidating our ties with our partners in the region.
We understand that this will be a long, strenuous process. But we are
determined to forge ahead and to make it succeed, thanks to a
constructive spirit, wisdom, clear-sightedness and a prospective
vision. We will not be deterred by plots, intrigues and provocations.
Our commitment to the founding Treaty of Marrakech and to the bonds of
brotherhood is too strong for us to give in to provocative acts. The
entire Moroccan people and all components of the Moroccan society,
united under the leadership of their King, the Commander of the
Faithful, are deeply convinced that the above objectives can be
achieved. It is in good faith and without any narrow-minded
calculations that we hold out our hand to our brothers from the
Kingdom’s southern provinces, as well as to our neighbours and to their
peoples.
We hold out our hand to our Algerian brothers, whom we expect to
understand that all Moroccans are firmly attached to their immutable
values, particularly the Kingdom’s sovereignty, national unity and
territorial integrity. We will continue to reach out to them, whatever
the hardships. Let us, therefore, pledge to work hand in hand, for
unity is strength.
The Kingdom of Morocco commits itself - before the United Nations and
the international community - to engaging in serious negotiations, with
an open mind and a firm determination to reach a final, consensual
political solution. Morocco will remain faithful to the bonds of
brotherhood and will work for the sake of the inevitable integration to
come.
To achieve the above objectives, Morocco will be counting on the
support and wisdom of the Personal Envoy, as well as on the
determination of the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council and the
international influential powers. My country hopes all the parties
involved will seize this opportunity and embrace the spirit of
reconciliation and forgiveness, which are among the foremost teachings
of Islam. Our aim is to achieve a successful outcome. To this end, we
are prepared to cooperate with all the parties concerned, and to take,
in a determined and responsible way, all the measures and decisions
required to implement the promising autonomy initiative. Morocco is
prepared to face the demands of the current juncture with the same
seriousness and dependability which characterized the preparation of
the Initiative for negotiating autonomy for the Moroccan Sahara region.
What we need is negotiation and consensus-building, until a political
agreement is reached; a final agreement - within the United Nations -
on extensive autonomy, and nothing but autonomy, which is consistent
with local and national specificities and immutable values, as well as
with international standards, and with the international legality
governing our meeting today.
This is a historic moment which is putting us in the spotlight. Let us,
therefore, live up to the expectations of Maghreb peoples, of our
friends and of the international community. Let us shoulder the
historic responsibilities of the moment.
“(Our Lord) decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide.". The Word of God is Truth.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
Second part read out by M. Khalli Henna OULD ERRACHID,
President of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs
Mr. Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Council has played an important part in the historic shift which
has marked the search for a consensual solution to the Sahara issue.
Today, I am happy to convey directly the viewpoint of the majority,
which has seldom had the opportunity to express its views freely, and
to make its voice heard within the United Nations and to the
international community.
This is not only a historic moment, but also a precious opportunity
which must not be wasted. It is an opportunity for direct brotherly
contacts, and we should avail it in order to solve this problem once
and for all, and break the current impasse. Today, the national,
regional and international environment is more suitable than ever for
putting an end to the suffering of our people in the camps, stopping
family divisions and achieving true reconciliation. This can be a
turning point in our attempts to find serenity and peace of mind, and
reach a solution that would satisfy all parties and bring joy to our
loved ones. It should be pointed out, in this respect, that conditions
in the Sahara have immensely changed, thanks to the process of
economic, political, social and cultural development, and to the
promotion of democracy.
Today’s Sahara has nothing to do with the Sahara of the colonial era.
Thanks to the deep, extensive changes that have affected the Saharan
population, community and territory, the Sahara can, today more than at
any time in the past, serve as the venue for reconciliation and as a
forum for overcoming the legacy of the past.
As a son of the region, who witnessed first-hand this question’s
developments, I can say that the question of the Sahara requires much
objectivity and pragmatism as well as assessment of the facts as they
are, especially with respect to the solid time-honoured ties that have
always existed between the region’s inhabitants on one hand, and
Morocco and its august Kings, on the other, as has been attested, for
centuries, by the sacred bond of allegiance (Bei’a).
For these reasons, it became evident to all observers and to the
international community, over the course of 32 years, that all
attempts, approaches and plans which ignored these bonds simply failed.
This means that any future attempt or plan which does not take into
consideration these deep-rooted bonds and their strong impact on
Sahrawis, will be of no avail.
Hence, we believe that the most appropriate solution to this question
consists in the historic initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,
over which the members of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan
Affairs worked in a spirit of great dedication and transparent,
genuine, democratic participation. The aim was to come up with a
compromise solution that would satisfy all parties. We believe this is
the only realistic and feasible compromise solution to the Sahara
issue, a solution which clearly guarantees the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, and which
unambiguously recognizes the political, economic, social and cultural
rights of the Sahara populations, as well as our legitimate right to
run our affairs ourselves, on our territory, within the framework of
the Kingdom of Morocco’s sovereignty. This is the solution which will
enable the peoples of the Arab Maghreb to take a fresh start and
achieve the paramount project of building the Maghreb, which is the
dream of all peoples in the region.
The autonomy project - to which the sons of the region have contributed
in a direct, democratic manner - has all it takes to be successful. It
provides for all the institutions needed and the mechanisms which will
make it possible for all of us - without any exception - to take our
future into our own hands. This will be done through the Sahrawi
executive branch, the democratically-elected Parliament, the local
judicial body, and all other agencies and means required for the proper
running of institutions.
There is ample room for us to negotiate all provisions in the
Initiative, and to improve it with constructive proposals, taking into
account the Initiative’s essence.
This initiative which was recognised worldwide as serious, credible and
unprecedented is a guarantee that a speedy solution will be found to
this issue, and that the dispute will be over as soon as possible. In
addition, this meeting has aroused such hopes and aspirations among our
families, the international community and the peoples of the region,
that we have no alternative but to rise to their expectations. We must
appreciate the true significance of this opportunity. No one has the
right to waste it, especially for the sake of the sons of the Sahara
who have suffered from too much waiting, missed opportunities and
unrealistic plans.
Our people are looking forward to a solution. In camps and wherever
else they may be, they are convinced that the only possible solution
lies in this initiative. Our brothers in the Polisario Front should not
regard it as a defeat or a concession. They should rather perceive it
as a victory for what they have fought for over the past 32 years. It
safeguards all they have stood for: reconciliation, consensus, and the
genuine political, economic, cultural and social gains they have
achieved. In politics, the aim of a struggle is to come up with
tangible achievements. This is not a struggle for the sake of struggle.
In addition, we have but few options before us.
The first alternative is to opt for a feasible, realistic and
appropriate solution which is in line with the UN efforts to reach a
political, consensual solution. This consists in the autonomy
initiative which is rightly regarded as self – determination through
consensus, compromise and mutual concessions, and which implies that
each party should review its claims downward. I believe this is the
view of the overwhelming majority of Sahrawis. They are eager to see
the signing take place today, the relief and salvation take place
today, and everybody enjoy victory today.
The second alternative is a rather negative, nihilistic option, because
nobody is happy with it, it serves nobody and it brings only woes onto
the region, creating more divisions and hardships for our people.
Morocco, under the leadership of its King, Amir Al Muminin (Commander
of the Faithful), and with the participation of all social components,
strata, affiliations and productive forces, urges you to rise to this
defining moment in our history, as a unique opportunity generated by
this bold autonomy initiative.
The Kingdom of Morocco, where Sahrawis have always formed a cornerstone
in the shaping of the state, especially over the past 14 centuries
since the inception of the national state based on Islam and monarchy,
is appealing to your hearts and minds, and to the genuine sense of
patriotism you have displayed in order to build a united, democratic
and prosperous Morocco.
I, therefore, urge my brothers, the members of the Polisario Front to
act judiciously and wisely, seek good guidance and comply with the call
of wisdom. I call on you to make relevant, realistic, but dignified
decisions which will bring joy to every Sahrawi household and tent, and
to the heart of every Sahrawi child, youth, man, woman and elderly
person, wherever they may be. We want to take this region of ours
forward, relying on a promising, future-oriented vision, for the sake
and in the best interest of the whole region. Let us not disappoint the
hopes our people have pinned on all of us.
“If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you better than that had been taken from you”.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
(Unofficial translation)