Brussels, 21 March 2022 (SPS) - The Polisario Front representative to the European Union (EU) and Europe Oubi Bouchraya Bachir affirmed that the sudden position of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is a “serious gaffe” likely to fuel tensions and endanger the chances of a political settlement to the conflict in Western Sahara.
“Spain which, in accordance with the international law, still remains the administering power of its former colony (Western Sahara), can’t unilaterally abdicate its responsibilities and commitments imposed by its unique relation with the region and its inhabitants,” said Oubi Bouchraya in a statement to APS.
The Sahrawi diplomat underlined that the Spanish government’s position led to “condemnation, rejection and denunciation campaigns conducted by most of the political forces in Spain,” adding that “more than 11 parties required the appearance, as soon as possible, of the Spanish Prime minister before the parliament to be heard about the reasons of this unjustified reversal.”
“Madrid’s new position, which totally contradicts the positions of successive Spanish governments, is in contrast with the neutrality principle and adopts the Moroccan proposal on the so-called “autonomy plan” which imposes the colonial reality and gives the sovereignty to Morocco, in violation of the Sahrawi people’s right to determine the final status of this non-self-governing territory, he added.
While pointing out that the announcement of Madrid’s new position comes within the framework of the restoration of relations between Spain and Morocco after more than three years of tension, the Polisario Front’s representative regrets the fact that “this decision is a form of barter and a condition laid down by Makhzen” which uses the migratory map as a means of pressure on Spain to push it to recognize its alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara.
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