Morocco Leaks: UK and the Western Sahara question

Morocco-UK Relations Strained: Western Sahara Dispute Fuels Divergence Despite Evolving Ties

Despite the recent evolution of relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom, the issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains a subject of constant « misunderstanding. » London’s position on this issue remains detached from the positive developments recorded bilaterally.

Indeed, the United Kingdom maintains its dichotomous view of the national issue and continues to separate the political aspect (negotiation process, autonomy plan) from what is perceived as the « technical aspect » (human rights, natural resources, challenges of MINURSO).

I- Manifestations of the United Kingdom’s Hostility:

London has become the center of pro-Polisario lobbying, notably through the NGO « Independent Diplomat »;

Over the past four years, London has been the main instigator of amendments hostile to Morocco during the drafting and negotiation of Security Council resolutions on the Moroccan Sahara;

The role of the British is increasingly dangerous as they are known for their mastery of UN mechanisms (drafting resolutions, seeking insidious formulas), which has allowed them to play a negative role during the negotiations of resolutions on the Sahara, either voluntarily or as part of a division of roles with the United States of America.

The British Government notably abstained during the vote by the European Council on the renewal of the Additional Protocol to the Morocco-EU Fisheries Agreement and presented a framing note unfavorable to its MEPs, who voted overwhelmingly in plenary. However, the United Kingdom has given its unconditional support to the Morocco-EU agricultural agreement and more recently, Mr. William Hague issued a very positive statement welcoming the launch of Morocco-EU negotiations for the conclusion of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement;

Recurring questions from some British MPs openly supporting the Polisario’s theses. It should be noted that the number of questions asked about our country has gradually decreased over the last three years: 96 questions in 2012, compared to 67 in 2010 and 30 in 2011. During the first quarter of 2013, 18 questions have so far been submitted, all concerning the national issue;

The mobilization of British petitioners against Morocco’s position during the debates of the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara;

In several respects, the British position aligns with that of Algeria and the Polisario (referendum as a means of self-determination, expansion of the MINURSO mandate, and illegality of the exploitation of natural resources);

The still circumspect position regarding the Moroccan autonomy initiative.

II- The « Justifications » for these Manifestations of Hostility:

The United Kingdom believes, for ideological reasons, that self-determination is equivalent to a referendum, based on their doctrine applied to the cases of the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar. These ideological considerations are more relevant than ever in the context of ongoing campaigns for self-determination referendums in the Falklands (March 10-11, 2013) and in Scotland (last quarter of 2014);

This country, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, projects its power through its activism on the technical aspect of the national issue in order to better position itself on the Maghreb chessboard, although London considers these to be positions of principle, in line with international commitments and without political aims;

London’s strategic interests in its relations with Algeria;

This country’s doctrine at the UN regarding peacekeeping operations (Franco-British initiative on setting up indicators for the implementation of the mandates of the various PKO);

The rising pressures of the « human rights » lobby in London (Amnesty International, Land Mine action, Independent Diplomat, etc.);

Beyond these justifications, the action of British diplomacy is often based on the following pyramid scheme:

Strategic interests: Activism for the achievement of the partner’s objectives (case of South Sudan and Ethiopia)

Growing interests: Adaptation of principles to the interests of the partner (case of Algeria)

Lack of interest: Management according to principles (case of Morocco)

According to this scheme, London’s attitude towards the Moroccan position is at the base of the pyramid. Indeed, the United Kingdom raises matters of principle with Morocco, because we have not been able to create centers of interest, despite all the efforts undertaken by our country in recent years.

The strategic dialogue offers us an opportunity to structure these interests, to enrich their content, and to develop their modalities.

III- British Attitudes during the April 2013 Deadline:

London should focus on the issues of the challenges of MINURSO, natural resources, and human rights.

Regarding the challenges of MINURSO, the United Kingdom, which has focused its efforts on human rights since 2012, has introduced the issue of challenges to suggest that MINURSO is not acting freely and that it should be strengthened to align with the practice of other peacekeeping missions. The challenges specifically cover three aspects: license plates, flags, and interaction with interlocutors.

1- License Plates:

The United Kingdom supports MINURSO’s request to entrust it with the entire vehicle registration procedure.

Morocco has submitted an offer to issue a limited number of distinct plates (two or three) on the condition that the vehicle registration process is done within the framework of the national procedure in force (issuance of registration documents, insurance, etc.);

2- Moroccan Flags:

MINURSO wants Morocco to remove the 17 flags around its headquarters in Laayoune. Our country is in discussion with MINURSO on this subject. A solution is being finalized.

3- Interlocutors:

It would be appropriate to explain Morocco’s efforts to promote MINURSO’s interaction with the usual interlocutors (Coordination Bureau and institutional bodies)

Regarding the issue of natural resources: Under the impetus of « Independent Diplomat », attacks are directed against Morocco’s agreements with the EU and a mobilization against companies operating in the Sahara.

Regarding human rights: A slight evolution has been noted in the level of interest shown by the British in the work of the CNDH, particularly in the southern provinces.

Regarding the issue of natural resources: Under the impetus of « Independent Diplomat », attacks are directed against Morocco’s agreements with the EU and a mobilization against companies operating in the Sahara.

Regarding human rights: A slight evolution has been noted in the level of interest shown by the British in the work of the CNDH, particularly in the southern provinces.

Source :

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