Algeria expressed deep regret and strong condemnation today over the French government’s decision to recognize the autonomy plan for Western Sahara within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Algeria stated it would draw all conclusions and consequences from this decision and hold the French government fully and completely responsible, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad.
The statement read: “The Algerian government has taken note, with great regret and strong condemnation, of the unexpected, unwise, and futile decision taken by the French government to provide unequivocal support for the autonomy plan for the Western Sahara region under the so-called Moroccan sovereignty. The Algerian authorities were informed of the essence of this decision by their French counterparts in recent days.”
The statement pointed out that “it seems that both old and new colonial powers know how to align with each other, understand each other, and lend a hand to each other.”
It further emphasized that “the French decision is the result of dubious political calculations, unethical assumptions, and legal interpretations that are not based on any sound foundations to support or justify them. It does not help create the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the Western Sahara issue. Moreover, it directly contributes to exacerbating the deadlock and stagnation that the Moroccan autonomy plan has caused for over seventeen years.”
Additionally, the statement mentioned, “despite the international community’s long-standing conviction that the Western Sahara issue is undoubtedly part of the decolonization process that needs to be completed appropriately, this French decision seeks to distort and falsify facts by endorsing a colonial reality and providing unjustified support for the alleged and fictional Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. What makes this decision even more unacceptable is that it comes from a permanent member of the Security Council, which is expected to act according to the resolutions of this body and in line with international legitimacy.”
The statement added: “Finally, at a time when the United Nations is mobilizing its good offices to give new momentum to the search for a political settlement of the Western Sahara conflict, the French decision contradicts these efforts, hinders their implementation, and conflicts with the higher interests of peace, security, and stability in the region.”
The statement noted that the Algerian government observes that “the French decision does not serve the goals of peace in Western Sahara in any way and prolongs the stagnation of the political process to resolve this issue, contributing to the perpetuation of the colonial status quo in this region.”
Consequently, the statement concluded, “the Algerian government will draw all conclusions and consequences resulting from this French decision and will hold the French government solely and fully responsible for it.”
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Algeria Condemns France’s Support for Autonomy Plan in Western Sahara
