15-04-2025
Omar Hilale: 50th Green March Anniversary Set for Definitive Western Sahara Closure
Doha – 'The United States is determined to close the Western Sahara file, and we hope to celebrate the final end of this conflict at the 50th anniversary of the Green March with our Algerian neighbors,' Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, said during an exclusive interview with Medi1TV on Monday.
Speaking from New York, Hilale remarked that the closed-door UN Security Council meeting on Western Sahara unfolded during extraordinary circumstances, propelled by America's renewed recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the territory.
'The current international context is marked by a positive dynamic and unprecedented international efforts,' Hilale stated, expressing optimism that this regional dispute could be definitively resolved during the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Green March on November 6, a highly symbolic date for all Moroccans.
The Moroccan diplomat also noted that the French position has evolved significantly, citing President Emmanuel Macron's letter from July last year stating that 'the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.' This position was reaffirmed by the Quai d'Orsay on Monday.
He mapped out that more than 110 countries now support Morocco's position, demonstrating growing international backing for the North African country's autonomy initiative.
Commenting on the US stance, Hilale indicated that Washington has shown 'clear and strong' language in affirming that Morocco's autonomy initiative is the only solution to resolve this dispute.
This renewed American position carries 'significant impact' given the United States' permanent membership in the Security Council, alongside France, he observed.
'What distinguishes the American position this time is the clear commitment to launch discussions and contribute to finding a solution within the framework of the Moroccan autonomy proposal,' Hilale added.
Speaking about the Polisario Front, Hilale argued that the separatist group lacks any democratic legitimacy and its leaders have never been elected, contrasting this with the elected representatives in Morocco's southern provinces.
He revealed 'documented and verified' information confirming direct links between the Polisario Front and Iran through Hezbollah, a connection recently exposed by The Washington Post.
Addressing these security concerns, Hilale cautioned about the terrorist threat posed by the Polisario, revealing that the separatist group's militias receive training in Syria with Algerian funding and support.
This danger no longer falls within the realm of 'Moroccan allegations' but is now implicitly and explicitly recognized in Western circles, he added.
The diplomat took aim at Algeria's persistent refusal to participate in roundtable discussions, saying it clings to 'Cold War narratives.'
He mentioned that Algeria has moved beyond diplomatic and financial support by facilitating dangerous Iranian penetration that destabilizes the region and undermines UN efforts to find a lasting solution.
Hilale explained that Algeria's persistence in refusing dialogue and boycotting roundtables demonstrates its real intention to prolong the conflict in service of geostrategic agendas, particularly creating access to the Atlantic Ocean through a separatist entity under its control.
UN envoy puts Autonomy Plan in spotlight
During the Security Council meeting, UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura delivered what he termed a 'strategic window' for the next three months to build a renewed roadmap toward a political settlement.
De Mistura called for capitalizing on the current momentum, which he described as an 'unprecedented impetus,' to establish the groundwork for regional de-escalation and credible political process revival.
The UN envoy specifically recalled US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statements during Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's recent Washington visit, where Rubio doubled down on American support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The Secretary urged parties to 'engage in discussions without delay, using Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as the only framework to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution.'
Hilale reaffirmed that Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, remains determined to reach a final solution to this artificial conflict while respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Alexander Ivanko, head of MINURSO, also delivered a significant assessment during the closed session, directly challenging the 'liberation war' narrative promoted by the Polisario and echoed by Algeria.
Ivanko affirmed that the separatists are incapable of 'causing significant damage to the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco or modifying the status quo through military means.'
Read also: A Blueprint for a More Aggressive Moroccan Diplomacy in Washington Tags: autonomy planOmar HilaleWestern sahara
