Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 on the Sahara file, saying the text reinforces support for Morocco’s autonomy plan under its sovereignty and leaves “no place for a self-determination referendum.”
In an interview with Spain’s EFE news agency on the sidelines of the 13th High-Level Meeting between Morocco and Spain on Thursday in Madrid, Bourita was asked about the reference to “self-determination” in the resolution. He responded: “No one has ever said that self-determination is synonymous with a referendum.”
He added that the resolution “does not state anywhere that the right to self-determination means a referendum,” but rather that it allows the parties “to express their will.” Morocco, he said, “has no problem with self-determination, but rejects narrow and outdated interpretations used for political purposes.”
Asked whether an “international mechanism” would supervise the implementation of autonomy in the Sahara, Bourita dismissed the idea. “I believe that once autonomy is signed, it will be implemented. Why would there be an international mechanism?” he said. Such questions, he added, will be addressed during negotiations, but Morocco views the international community’s continued support for its plan as a sign of trust.
He also stressed that the resolution refers to “the population” of the region rather than a distinct “people of the Sahara.” On negotiations with the Polisario Front, he said the resolution clearly identifies the four parties required at the table.
“Morocco will engage with the other three parties as specified. It is not up to Morocco to decide whether Polisario attends or not; it will respect what is stated in the resolution,” he said.
Bourita denied the existence of any pre-negotiations. He said Rabat is waiting for the formal process to begin under those responsible for managing the talks. “There is no set date yet. Morocco is awaiting an invitation at the appropriate time,” he said, noting that the resolution designates the United States as the host country and gives Washington a role in the process.
He added that Morocco now wants to work on a “solution plan” involving all Moroccans, which has already been discussed with political parties. No date has been set for negotiations with the three other parties, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania.
Regarding Sahara airspace, Bourita said a working group will meet soon to advance discussions. “If a plane wants to go to the Sahara, it passes through Marrakech. It is clear which control tower manages it. And if there is a problem, who handles it? Who is responsible for its safety? It is Morocco,” he said.
He added that bilateral respect will allow the two sides to find solutions that safeguard Spain’s interests while reflecting Morocco’s “realities and rights.”
Bourita described current relations between Rabat and Madrid as “unprecedented in our history,” citing cooperation on counterterrorism, irregular migration control, economic exchange and investment. “Spain is Morocco’s first economic partner. Security cooperation is exemplary, and migration cooperation is effective,” he said.
He added that the partnership is “a model between the two shores of the Mediterranean,” attributing it to the commitment of King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
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