Japan's Support for Morocco's Autonomy Initiative
In a significant diplomatic development, Japan has publicly expressed its backing for Morocco's Autonomy Plan concerning the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara. This endorsement aligns with the United Nations' ongoing efforts to facilitate a political process aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. The announcement was made during a virtual meeting between Morocco's Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Japanese counterpart, Motegi Toshimitsu, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The joint declaration issued during this meeting highlighted Japan's approval of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which underscores the idea that "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty" is the most viable solution to resolve the ongoing conflict. Japan's support extends to the initiatives led by the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy, emphasizing the need for negotiations rooted in Morocco's Autonomy Plan. The goal is to establish a fair, lasting, and mutually agreeable settlement to the dispute.
Growing International Momentum for Morocco's Position
In its statement, Japan urged all involved parties to engage in dialogue without any preconditions, advocating for discussions based on the Moroccan Autonomy Plan. This call for open communication reflects a broader trend of increasing international support for Morocco's stance in the dispute, which has gained momentum in recent years. Currently, over 120 countries recognize the Autonomy Plan as the most feasible pathway to resolving the issue, prompting calls for all parties, including Algeria, to partake in the UN-led political negotiations aimed at ending a conflict that has persisted for over 50 years.
Recently, several nations, including Canada and Mali, have joined the ranks of those supporting Morocco's initiative. Canada officially acknowledged Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible framework for resolving the Western Sahara dispute, while Mali has withdrawn its recognition of the Polisario's self-declared SADR, affirming that the autonomy plan represents the sole credible avenue to end the conflict. Furthermore, the European Union has also adopted a unified stance in favor of Morocco's plan, indicating widespread international endorsement for this approach to the Southern provinces.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
