Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, called for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797 on the Sahara issue, which supports the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, stressing that “there is no place for self-determination through a referendum.”

In an interview with the Spanish news agency EFE, on the sidelines of the 13th High-Level Meeting between Morocco and Spain, held yesterday, Thursday, in Madrid, Bourita said, when asked about the inclusion of the term “self-determination” in the resolution supporting autonomy: “No one has ever said that self-determination is synonymous with a referendum.”

The same government official explained that “there is no mention where the right to self-determination means a referendum; what is mentioned is that the right to self-determination allows parties to express their will.” He continued: “We have no problem with self-determination, but we are against narrow and outdated interpretations for political purposes.”

Regarding a question about the possibility of an “international mechanism overseeing the implementation of autonomy in the Sahara,” Bourita denied this, stating: “I believe that when autonomy is signed, it will be implemented. Why an international mechanism? In any case, these are matters that will be discussed within the framework of negotiations, but Morocco believes that the international community has given it its confidence by committing to the autonomy plan.”

After stressing the absence of the “people of the Sahara,” rather the population, within the content of the UN resolution, the spokesperson stated regarding negotiations with the Polisario Front that “the resolution specified the four parties that must be present at the negotiating table,” and added: “Morocco will deal clearly with the other three parties specified in the resolution, so it does not have to decide whether or not the Polisario will be present, as it will comply with and respect what is stipulated in the resolution.”

Regarding the existence of prior negotiations, the minister clarified that “this is not true, as Rabat is waiting for the process to begin by those who will manage the negotiations,” adding: “There is no specific date yet, while Morocco is waiting for an invitation to negotiate at the appropriate time, but this must be coordinated. The resolution clearly indicates the United States as the country that should host the negotiations, and therefore it also has a role.”

Bourita added that Rabat now wants to work on a “solution plan” that affects all Moroccans, and has already discussed it with political parties, although no date has yet been set for negotiations with the other three parties, namely the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania.

Regarding the airspace over the Sahara, the same government official revealed that a working group will meet soon to move this issue forward, explaining that “if a plane wants to go to the Sahara, it passes through Marrakech, and it is clear which control tower directs it; and if a problem occurs with it, who manages it? Who is responsible for its security? It is Morocco.” He added: “Within the framework of mutual respect, we can find solutions that preserve Spain’s interests and take into account the reality and rights of Morocco.”

The same minister emphasized the level of bilateral relations between Rabat and Madrid, “which is unprecedented in our history,” in areas such as combating terrorism, controlling illegal immigration, and economic exchanges or investments, with “impressive figures,” and said: “Spain is Morocco’s number one economic partner. Cooperation in the field of security is exemplary, and cooperation in the field of migration is effective.”

Bourita stressed that “the relationship is a model between the two shores of the Mediterranean,” which he attributed to the commitment of King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.