On November 4, King Mohammed VI chaired a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat to discuss the next steps following the end of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The session was attended by the Head of Government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, and several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, and the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, General Mohammed Berrid.
The working session aimed to follow up on developments in the Western Sahara issue and preserve Morocco's interests, particularly in the southern provinces. The King emphasized the importance of respecting Morocco's territorial integrity, preserving national security, and maintaining stability in the southern provinces. He also instructed relevant authorities to implement these priorities within their respective areas of competence.
According to the Royal Cabinet, the King reiterated the need to continue development programs and projects in the southern provinces, while closely monitoring diplomatic and security developments in the region. The government will also ensure a smooth transition following the departure of the MINURSO mission, with the Interior Ministry's coordination office overseeing the liquidation and withdrawal process.
The end of the MINURSO mission does not affect Morocco's commitment to the ceasefire, but the circumstances that led to the mission's creation and its initial functions have evolved, according to the Royal Cabinet. The mission faced difficulties in monitoring the ceasefire, and its departure will not alter Morocco's international engagement.
King Mohammed VI stressed the importance of respecting Morocco's international commitments and pursuing a diplomatic policy based on maintaining peace. This approach should be accompanied by preserving national sovereignty and taking into account recent diplomatic developments, including recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara by several partner countries.
The Royal Cabinet highlighted the international support for Morocco's autonomy initiative as a solution to the conflict. The government will continue to prioritize development in the southern provinces, while maintaining a close watch on diplomatic and security developments in the region.
The King's priorities aim to ensure stability and security in the southern provinces, while preserving Morocco's territorial integrity and national sovereignty. The government will work to implement these objectives, in line with Morocco's international commitments and diplomatic efforts.
Key points
- Morocco's King Mohammed VI sets priorities after the end of the UN's MINURSO mission.
- The priorities focus on territorial integrity, national security, and development in southern provinces.
- Morocco's commitment to the ceasefire remains unchanged despite the end of the MINURSO mission.
