British MP urges recognition of Western Sahara's Moroccan status
The British MP Liam Fox has called on London to offer its full support to Morocco and recognise its sovereignty over Western Sahara, a region where it has a dispute with the Saharawi group, the Polisario Front.
- Fox highlights Mohamed VI's role in Morocco's development
- Dakhla and its potential for trade with Africa
- "Moroccan diplomacy will achieve another victory"
"Ahead of my visit to Morocco, I have written a letter to the British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to draw his attention to the UK's delay vis-à-vis the US on this issue," Fox said in an interview with Medi1TV.
According to Fox, recognition of the Moroccan status of the Sahara goes beyond the economic opportunities it offers. "It is an important element for the stability and security of the region," he said.
This decision would also be important in the fight against irregular immigration. According to Fox, such recognition "would therefore be part of a mutually beneficial partnership".
"Through my letter, I wanted to draw Cameron's attention to this issue since he took office, as well as to the importance of this issue for our bilateral relations," Fox said.
The British politician reminded Cameron of "the importance of Morocco on the multilateral stage both politically and economically".
"More and more British MPs are convinced by Morocco's approach to the resolution of this dispute. They are even somewhat frustrated by the little progress made by London on the issue", Fox indicated, stressing that the realism of the Moroccan approach allows for "progress on the issue".
Fox also spoke of relations between Morocco and the UK, stating that these ties "are constantly evolving". "Morocco is becoming more and more attractive for foreign direct investment, thanks in particular to its geostrategic importance, as several countries see it as a gateway to Africa," Fox explained.
Similarly, the UK's exit from the European Union is an opportunity for London to develop trade relations with our partners, and in this sense, "Morocco is a priority country for the UK in economic, trade and foreign policy terms".
Fox highlights Mohamed VI's role in Morocco's development
Fox also praised the role of King Mohammed VI, stressing his "ingenious strategy" that should serve as a model for the creation of an investment-friendly environment, as well as for economic reforms and structuring projects relating to renewable energy, water desalination and the increase of agricultural production and GDP.
The Moroccan monarch has also promoted the development of human capital. "It is all these achievements that make Morocco a priority partner for many countries, including the UK," he stressed.
"Morocco is positioning itself as an international crossroads and gateway to Africa, especially as it maintains excellent bilateral relations with many countries on the continent," the Conservative MP added. "Morocco, thanks to its numerous trade partnerships, can facilitate trade exchanges between Europe and Africa," Fox concluded.
Fox also pointed out the potential of many Moroccan cities, such as Casablanca, which "is a hub for international aviation and the only way to reach several African capitals from the United Kingdom".
Dakhla and its potential for trade with Africa
The MEP also mentioned Dakhla in Western Sahara, where he said he was "impressed by the development of the city's educational and health infrastructure, not forgetting the port of Dakhla, which will be a vital link in African trade". Fox visited the city last year, where he saw first-hand that economic development is the best way to overcome conflict and move towards coexistence and a sustainable future.
Morocco's autonomy plan, initially proposed in 2007, has gained significant momentum and support from many other European countries, including Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Portugal and Serbia. On the other hand, numerous Arab nations, as well as the US and Israel, have recognised Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
"Moroccan diplomacy will achieve another victory"
With regard to Fox's latest declarations, Lahcen Qartit, an expert in international relations - quoted by Telexpresse - considers that the United Kingdom recognises "practically and legally" the Moroccan Sahara because of the bilateral association agreement which includes the whole of the national territory, including the southern provinces. Moreover, the analyst recalls London's repeated support for Rabat's autonomy initiative.
The political analyst stresses that in recent years there has been a remarkable development in relations between the two kingdoms at all levels, especially in economic and political matters.
As Qartit states, recent judicial decisions handed down by the British courts provide a legal basis for further political positions. "Moroccan diplomacy will undoubtedly achieve another victory and succeed in obtaining a clear British opinion on the issue of the Kingdom's territorial integrity," he tells the media outlet.
