Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stated on Tuesday that France's new position «embodies clear and effective support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara», highlighting that this «important» shift demonstrates that «the autonomy plan is the final solution to this conflict». In an interview with the Spanish news agency EFE, Bourita noted that France's shift regarding Western Sahara «not only supports autonomy» under Moroccan sovereignty but also ensures coherent action by Paris on the basis of this new position «both domestically and internationally». Bourita emphasized that in his letter to King Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that «the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty». He described France's move as a «very important development» because the country is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and, alongside Spain, is well-acquainted with the region and the issue. He added, «France and Moroccan-French relations have witnessed positive political development in recent months, and this recognition reinforces this dynamic». Bourita explained that «France's position is part of a movement that began several years ago», noting the significance of the timing of the announcement, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Throne Day. He asserted that «Morocco is gradually freeing itself from various burdens and difficulties» regarding the Sahara issue and is «enshrining its sovereignty over this part of its territory». This progress, he said, is evident through the implementation of territorial development measures and the growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and the autonomy proposal as the exclusive framework for resolving the issue. Bourita noted that many European, American, and African countries support Morocco's sovereignty and the autonomy proposal, and he acknowledged the «very important evolution of the Spanish position». «There is an international consensus today on the status of the region», Bourita said, adding that Macron assured that «France will act in line with this position internally, in France, and internationally». «There is a consensus at the UN to reach conclusions based on this international development», he said, emphasizing the need to «take the file out of the deadlock». He concluded, «There is only one issue: A solution that fully respects Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara and is based exclusively on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty proposed by Morocco in 2007».
