Morocco marked the 48th anniversary of the Green March, a historic event that saw hundreds of thousands of Moroccans march into the Western Sahara region in 1975 to reclaim it from Spanish colonial rule. The march, which took place on November 6, 1975, was a pivotal moment in Morocco's national history, as it asserted the country's claim to the Western Sahara region. The event is celebrated annually as a national holiday in Morocco.
The anniversary of the Green March comes at a time when Morocco is reaffirming its commitment to national unity and territorial integrity. According to a statement by the Royal Palace, King Mohammed VI has reiterated Morocco's unwavering commitment to defending its national unity and territorial integrity. The King also emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to consolidate the country's development and modernization.
Recently, the UN Security Council voted on a resolution regarding the Western Sahara conflict, with Russia vetoing a US-drafted resolution. The veto has been seen as an opportunity for Morocco to push forward with its autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara region. Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, has stated that the Russian veto has opened up new possibilities for the country's autonomy proposal.
The autonomy proposal, which was first presented in 2007, offers a high degree of autonomy to the Western Sahara region while maintaining Morocco's sovereignty over the territory. The proposal has gained international support, with over two-thirds of UN member states backing it. Morocco sees the proposal as a way to address the concerns of the Sahrawi people while maintaining the country's national unity.
The Western Sahara conflict has been a longstanding issue, with Morocco and the Polisario Front, a separatist group backed by Algeria, vying for control of the region. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced and many living in refugee camps in Algeria. Morocco's autonomy proposal is seen as a way to resolve the conflict and bring stability to the region.
King Mohammed VI has emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara conflict. The King has also highlighted Morocco's commitment to working with international partners to address the issue. Morocco's relations with Russia, which has veto power at the UN Security Council, have been strengthened in recent years, with the two countries cooperating on a range of issues.
As Morocco celebrates the anniversary of the Green March, the country remains committed to defending its national unity and territorial integrity. The country's autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara region is seen as a way to address the concerns of the Sahrawi people while maintaining Morocco's sovereignty over the territory. With international support and a commitment to peaceful resolution, Morocco is working towards a solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
Key points
- Morocco reaffirms its commitment to national unity and territorial integrity on the 48th anniversary of the Green March.
- The country's autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara region gains international support.
- Morocco and Russia strengthen cooperation on a range of issues, including the Western Sahara conflict.
