Washington says its priority is to support a credible process that leads to a just and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute.
Rabat - Michele Sison, the US Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, and former American Ambassador to Haiti, has reiterated US’ support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, describing it as a “serious, credible and realistic solution” to the dispute over the "Western Sahara".
Sison made the statement on the sidelines of a press briefing following her meeting in Rabat on January 26, 2023., with Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
Sison’s meeting with Bourita focused on the US' support for the UN Secretary-Envoy General Staffan de Mistura’s efforts in leading the UN political process in "Western Sahara", Sison explained.
“We discussed our strong support for MINURSO's peacekeeping efforts and their critical role in maintaining the conditions for the UN-led peace process,” Sison said.
The assistant secretary highlighted that the US' priority is to support a credible process that leads to a just and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute, which has the backing of the international community.
The US recognized Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over "Western Sahara" in December 2020.
The recognition has further strengthened ties between the two countries in a wide range of sectors, including trade, security cooperation, among others.
During her visit, Sison also commended King Mohammed VI’s efforts in supporting peace and security in the MENA region and around the world.
“We greatly appreciate the role of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in supporting peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa, and around the world,” she said.
“This meeting was also an opportunity to discuss Morocco’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council and the importance of human rights.”
In October 2022, Morocco was elected to serve on the Human Rights Council for three years, starting on January 1, 2023.
Sisou also praised Morocco's contributions to UN peacekeeping missions around the world, such as MONUSCO and MINUSCA.
The US is joining the growing chorus of countries supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan.
In October 2022, the government of Belgium expressed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, considering it as a “good basis” to end the dispute over "Western Sahara".
Echoing Belgium's stance, Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock reconfirmed in August 2022 that Germany considers Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara region as a good foundation for a mutually solution to the dispute.
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