The Government frames its position on the Sahara in the search for regional stability

He assures that he faces the "challenges" in the neighborhood with a constructive spirit but defending the interests and integrity of Spain

MADRID, 13 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ángeles Moreno, assured this Monday that one of the Government's priorities is the stability of the "immediate neighborhood of Spain", framing in this the step taken with respect to Western Sahara on the basis of contributing in search of a solution to this conflict.

"Fostering the stability of our immediate neighborhood in the Mediterranean and in the Sahel is one of the priorities of our Government", he assured during his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee to answer questions put to the Government by the senator from Compromís Carles Mulet .

In a context like the current one, he continued, the security of the southern flank "is a priority for Spain and the EU", hence the fact that the Government has a "clear interest in resolving all the conflicts that afflict our region, including the of the Sahara".

Moreno has underlined, in line with what was previously expressed by both the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and the Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, that the conflict has been going on for almost half a century and "demands a determined effort to part of the international community to offer a solution to the Saharawi people that puts an end to their suffering and that is framed in the Charter of the United Nations".

In this regard, the Secretary of State has reiterated that the Government's position is framed in respect for the Charter of the United Nations and its resolutions "so that, with the support of the Secretary General's special envoy, a mutually acceptable" to the parties.

Likewise, he pointed out that it is a "coherent position with the one defended by successive Spanish governments and fully respectful of international law", "aligned with the resolutions of the UN Security Council".

On the other hand, he maintained that the resolution of the Sahara conflict "would allow us to return to the path of greater regional integration", referring to the unviability of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) due to the rivalry between Morocco and Algeria, which maintain Bilateral relations are currently broken. According to Moreno, such integration "would benefit our peoples and result in greater stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean."

That said, the 'number two' of Foreign Affairs has reiterated once again that "Spain wishes to maintain the best relations of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation" with all neighboring countries, referring to Algeria and Morocco.

In this regard, he said that the Government is "convinced that this would allow us to guarantee peace and stability in our region and that it will allow us to take advantage of its potential for shared development to also guarantee our prosperity and that it will allow us to strengthen the ties" that unite Spaniards with the citizens of these countries.

However, Moreno has made it clear that "what ultimately guides the Government is the defense of the values ​​and interests of Spain, its citizens and its companies."

Therefore, without expressly mentioning the current diplomatic crisis with Algeria or the new stage in the relationship with Morocco, he added, "we face the challenges and opportunities that arise in our neighborhood with a constructive and dialoguing spirit but also firmly in defense of our stability and our territorial integrity, our vital interests and our legitimate positions".