‘Clear, Constant Position’: France Has Favorable Stance on Autonomy Plan in Moroccan Sahara – French FM

The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, reiterated, Friday in Rabat, her country’s position “favorable to Morocco” regarding the Moroccan autonomy plan, a position, known to the Moroccans, that Paris demonstrated at the United Nations when it was the “only one who wanted to advance some ideas”. “As for the Moroccan autonomy plan, our position is favorable to Morocco. We have demonstrated it at the United Nations, even when we were a bit alone in wanting to advance some ideas,” said the head of French diplomacy, during a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, after their meeting. “France’s position is clear and constant,” she said, recalling that his country supports the ceasefire and the efforts of UN Secretary General Staffan de Mistura’s personal envoy. “We wish for the resumption of negotiations between the parties for a just and realistic solution,” he added, stressing the constancy of France’s position, in particular that concerning “the renewal of Minurso’s mandate, which was appreciated by Morocco.” “We are not going to change and Morocco knows that it can count on the support of France”, she affirmed.