Spain Must Rethink its Position on Sahara in New Geopolitical Context (Former Spanish FM)

Spain Must Rethink its Position on Sahara in New Geopolitical Context (Former Spanish FM)
Wednesday 26 May 2021 - 15:20

Spain is called upon to rethink its position on the Sahara issue in the new geopolitical context marked by the decision of the United States to recognize the sovereignty of Morocco over the southern provinces, former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo said.

The Spanish government has ignored the changing international context following the U.S. decision, Margallo explained on Tuesday during a radio program on ”Capital Radio”.

He highlighted Rabat and Washington’s special relationship as the Kingdom was the first country to recognize the United States of America.

He also warned against the risks of creating a pseudo-state in the region, adding that when he was head of Spanish diplomacy he dealt with the consequences of a “terrorist attack” in the camps of Tindouf that resulted in the kidnapping of two Spanish and one Italian cooperators.

The international geopolitical context has changed and the government of Pedro Sanchez does not seem to be drawing lessons from these changes, he said, adding that the term “referendum of self-determination” has disappeared from the resolutions of the UN Security Council since 2003.

In addition, Morocco has regained its place in the African Union and several Arab and African countries have opened consulates in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune, while others are planning to do so, he recalled.

“When circumstances change, we must change. We have to adapt to the new context. It is a problem we have to solve,” Margallo concluded.

 

add your comment

Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.

News
In data: How far Morocco's Sahara diplomacy advanced in two days of UN debate
Saturday 14 November 2026 - 14:43

In data: How far Morocco's Sahara diplomacy advanced in two days of UN debate

Politics
Rural Morocco trails cities by 30 years in educational equality, official report finds
Saturday 14 November 2026 - 09:10

Rural Morocco trails cities by 30 years in educational equality, official report finds

Politics
Moroccan opposition criticizes 2027 finance bill for lack of economic vision
Friday 13 November 2026 - 23:00

Moroccan opposition criticizes 2027 finance bill for lack of economic vision

News
Tangier authorities face criticism over delayed flood prevention measures
Friday 13 November 2026 - 22:31

Tangier authorities face criticism over delayed flood prevention measures