[News] End of ‘Western Sahara Intergroup’ Marks Shift in European Parliament

[Revo]

 

Rabat – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has described the dissolution of the European Parliament’s “Western Sahara Intergroup” in 2024 as a significant diplomatic development in countering pro-Polisario narratives. 

Bourita made his remarks this week during a press conference during an official visit made by Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe.

Active for two decades, the intergroup failed to secure sufficient support from parliamentary factions following recent European elections.

Bourita said that the group had been widely criticized for violating parliamentary rules and serving as a platform for Algerian-backed separatist propaganda, reflecting a shift in European positions toward a more balanced approach on the Sahara issue.

Reports said the intergroup – which was used to bring together pro-Polisario MEPs – has not been reconstituted, reflecting a significant blow and setback for the Algerian regime.

On Tuesday, Moroccan news outlet Le360 quoted a well informed source, who said that the refusal to support the intergroup represents a “strong political signal to Algeria from the European parliament.”

The intergroup made similar hostile acts violating EU principled policies, including the misuse of EU Parliament's logo during its meetings.

The recent decision to end the intergroup may serve as a glimpse of hope for Morocco, signaling a potential shift toward reducing external interference in its domestic affairs.

For years, the European Parliament has been at the center of controversy, particularly over its  increasingly hostile resolutions targeting Morocco’s domestic policies; including its position on Western Sahara and attempts to undermine the country's territorial integrity.

The diplomatic crisis reached its peak last year; as several resolutions and actions by the European Parliament challenged Morocco’s position.

However, the decision to end the intergroup adds to Morocco’s diplomatic gains, with a growing list of countries supporting its position, backing the country’s Autonomy Plan as the only and most credible solution able to end the lingering dispute.

During his press conference with his Zambian counterpart, Bourita recalled the support Morocco has been earning from the international community, citing France’s backing of the country’s sovereignty.

He also recalled the support Morocco received from other European countries, including Slovenia, Finland, Denmark and Estonia, which joined over 20 EU countries backing the Autonomy Plan.

More than 113 countries now support the initiative, he said, noting the ongoing withdrawal of recognition for the self-styled Polisario Front’s SADR.

He recalled that Ecuador and Panama are the latest countries to suspend recognition in October and November, respectively.

“Today only 28 countries continue to recognize this fictitious entity,” Bourita said, noting that nearly 50 countries revoked recognition over the past two decades.

Bourita also recalled the momentum of consulate openings in Laayoune and Dakhla, which now host diplomatic missions representing nearly 40% of African Union member states.
 

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2024/12/366997/end-of-western-sahara-intergroup-marks-shift-in-european-parliament