US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reiterated his country’s support to the Moroccan autonomy plan proposal for Western Sahara, but diverged questions about the Biden administration’s position on the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its southern territories.
In a speech during a press conference alongside his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita today in Rabat, the head of US diplomacy said that “Washington supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Western Sahara in order to reach a compromise and solution that satisfies all parties.”
Asked about the Trump administration’s pending promise of opening a US consulate in Western Sahara, Nasser Bourita stated that “the bilateral relationship is progressing at a good pace, and that the terms of the trilateral agreement are still valid, but the implementation will come when all parties agree it would make a good time.”
The United States’ support for the Moroccan autonomy plan is “firm,” says Bourita, adding that its translation on the ground is a process that is being discussed.
Blinken spoke of the United States’ appreciation and support of “King Mohammed VI’s ambitious reform agenda, and his efforts to bring about political and development reforms in order to strengthen institutions, support rights and achieve transparency.”
Regarding Spain’s new position on Western Sahara, Bourita said that the Iberian peninsula is not alone, adding that an increasing number of governments are now acknowledging that the autonomy plan is simply “the most serious, credible solution” to the conflict.
“It is time for European countries to support a solution, instead of their comfort in only supporting a process, as part of our new solution-oriented approach to the Western Sahara file,” concluded Bourita.
The US official, who is on an official visit to Morocco meant to last until March 30, stressed that “the United States is committed to continuing to support the Kingdom in the areas of energy and food security, especially in light of the current drought.”
Both Blinken and Bourita reiterated the necessary progression of a partnership between Arab leaders and Israel, “in order to ensure the implementation of the two-state solution,” in respect of the previously agreed-upon borders, in addition to Jerusalem being Palestine’s capital.
Asked about his upcoming meeting with the Emirati crown prince while in Morocco, in light of “tense” relations between both countries, Blinken said that “it is facetious to have the chance to meet in Morocco, as this is an important strategic partner for the United States.”
As part of the bilateral cooperation between both Morocco and the US, the “close collaboration” spanning various sectors, Blinken stated that “the United States of America will work to expand the economic zone in the city of Bouznika.”
In addition, officials in the American Ministries of Interior and Economy will work with their Moroccan counterparts to confront the repercussions of the drought, tomorrow in Casablanca, as part of a joint conference.
During the aforementioned conference, the United States of America will launch a $3 million partnership with the Pasteur Foundation to improve health security for Moroccans and strengthen mechanisms to fight viral diseases.
Nasser Bourita once again, reiterated Morocco’s position vis-a-vis the Russia-Ukraine crisis, saying that “we support the territorial integrity of all UN member states, and we do not condone any type of violence,” adding that Morocco’s stance is in perfect alignment with the UN charter and international law norms.
So that does that mean, the USA no longer recognizes the moroccan sovereignty over Sahara and is only now pushing for a mutually approved solution ?