US stresses support for Morocco over W. Sahara

Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (L) give a joint press conference following their meeting in Rabat on March 8, 2022. (AFP)
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  • Bourita noted Washington鈥檚 鈥渃lear and constant position鈥� on Western Sahara and the autonomy plan

RABAT: The United States on Tuesday reiterated its support for a Moroccan plan for autonomy in the Western Sahara to settle the kingdom鈥檚 decades-old conflict with the Polisario independence movement.
鈥淲e continue to view Morocco鈥檚 autonomy plan as serious, credible and realistic,鈥� US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a visit to the US ally.
Her regional tour will also include Morocco鈥檚 arch-rival Algeria.
Sherman voiced support for Staffan de Mistura, the UN鈥檚 Western Sahara envoy, who is working to revive a peace process that has been stalled since 2019.
鈥淲e do so with an open mind to find a resolution that will lead to an enduring and dignified outcome for all parties,鈥� Sherman told journalists after meeting with Morocco鈥檚 top diplomat Nasser Bourita.
Bourita noted Washington鈥檚 鈥渃lear and constant position鈥� on Western Sahara and the autonomy plan.
Rabat sees the vast stretch of desert, a former Spanish colony with rich phosphate resources and access to lucrative Atlantic fishing waters, as an integral part of its territory.
Polisario Front separatists took up arms in the 1970s and have continued to demand an independence referendum on the basis of a 1991 deal that included a cease-fire.
In late 2020, the Trump administration recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara as a quid pro quo for the kingdom mending ties with Israel.
The Biden administration has not reversed Trump鈥檚 decision.
The deal sparked renewed tensions with neighboring Algeria, which has long supported the Polisario.
The movement has declared the 1991 cease-fire null and void.
Sherman said she and Bourita also discussed Russia鈥檚 鈥減remeditated, unjustified, and unprovoked war on Ukraine.鈥�
Rabat, one of Washington鈥檚 oldest allies under a treaty dating back to 1787, did not take part in last week鈥檚 UN General Assembly vote on a resolution calling for Russia to withdraw immediately from Ukraine.
Analysts say its neutrality stems from a desire to avoid alienating Russia, a Security Council member with a say in resolutions over the Western Sahara.