HIBAPRESS – Shafiq Anouri
Spanish lawyer Maria de los Angeles Ramos presented a detailed presentation before the United Nations, in which she defended the Moroccan autonomy initiative in the Sahara, confirming that the initiative since 2007 is considered the serious and realistic solution to the issue.
Ramos pointed out that the Security Council approved the initiative in its resolutions, considering it the only political solution to the conflict for 18 years, and that it launched an international dynamic to resolve the conflict that has lasted for fifty years.
Ramos stressed the importance of peace and the rejection of violence in all its forms, noting that 124 countries around the world, including 9 countries that have joined since last year, support the autonomy plan and recognize Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
She explained that the presentation of the initiative before the United Nations was not a coincidence, but rather the result of extensive consultations that included members of the Security Council and neighboring countries, in addition to national consultations with political parties, local residents, representatives of the Sahara, and tribal leaders.
The lawyer mentioned that the initiative aims to build a modern democratic society based on the rule of law and respect for individual and collective freedoms, as the best way to achieve economic and social development in accordance with international law.
She drew attention to the fact that the initiative opens the way for a better future for the residents of the region, puts an end to separation and exile, and encourages reconciliation, pointing to the joining of several former leaders in the "Polisario" to Morocco to support the social and economic development of the Sahara.
She explained that the initiative enables the Sahrawi population to manage their own affairs in a democratic way, while providing the necessary financial resources for economic and social development, as is already happening on the ground.
Ramos highlighted her multiple visits to the region, especially the city of Dakhla, where she met Sahrawi women who represent the legitimate residents of the southern regions and hold important political positions, in addition to her meetings with the President of the Dakhla Regional Council to exchange views on development in the region.
The lawyer continued that the structural projects in the Sahara, most notably the Dakhla Atlantic port project, will provide economic and strategic benefits to the region and the African continent, praising the prevailing climate of peace and security in the region.
Ramos concluded her statement by confirming that the autonomy plan represents a step towards a better future for the people of the Sahara, with the promotion of democracy and economic and social development, and an end to the long regional conflict.
