Ambassador Hillal affirms: Autonomy is the only reference of the UN, and Morocco is moving resolutely in its Sahara

MOHAMED OBAADI
Ambassador Omar Hillal, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, stressed that any final settlement of the Sahara issue must be in full compliance with the constants and sovereignty nationality of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Moroccan diplomat, in statements made to the Al-Ghad channel, explained that the autonomy initiative, presented by Rabat in 2007, was no longer a simple proposal but the only practical reference adopted by the UN Security Council.
This was confirmed by the recent Resolution 2797, which insists on the need for any solution to be implemented under the aegis of full Moroccan sovereignty. Hillal described this resolution as a strategic diplomatic victory, reflecting the positive outcome of years of sustained efforts carried out by royal diplomacy, characterized by patience and realism in building international alliances.

He added that the new resolution marks a radical turning point in the conflict, by establishing the autonomy initiative as an exclusive negotiating framework, confirming that the discussion around the organization of a referendum has been totally outdated by the international community for decades, and that any proposed alternative lacks seriousness or practical basis.

The Ambassador affirmed that international support for the Moroccan position is strengthening, with more than 120 countries, including European powers and permanent members of the Security Council, considering autonomy as the realistic and equitable solution.

He stressed that the Moroccan initiative for autonomy is the only document officially recognized by the UN for the settlement of the dispute. Regarding American support, Hillal explained that it is the culmination of a long diplomatic process led by Morocco itself, which established the political ground necessary for the adoption of this international position.

Hillal clearly identified the parties to the conflict – Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front – reaffirming the Kingdom’s desire to negotiate quickly to end the dispute, while continuing to implement vast development projects in its southern provinces. He concluded with the decisive formula: « Morocco is in its Sahara, and the Sahara is in its Morocco. »

He also expressed the Kingdom’s openness to dialogue with Algeria to strengthen fraternal ties and underlined the urgency of finding a solution for the inhabitants of the Tindouf camps, guaranteeing their safe return to their homeland, ensuring that King Mohammed VI is the supreme guarantor of their rights.

The Ambassador concluded by insisting that Morocco’s national constants – sovereignty, territorial integrity, borders and flag – are non-negotiable, and that any detailed discussion must take place exclusively within the framework of the autonomy initiative