Morocco, Russia agree that International Law cannot be interpreted to stop settlement of Sahara issue – The North Africa Post

Morocco and Russia agree on the fact that international law and principles cannot be interpreted in a way that halts the progress towards a resolution for the Moroccan Sahara issue, said, on Thursday in Moscow, Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita.

Speaking at a press conference following talks with his Russian peer, Sergey Lavrov, Bourita said this meeting provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues, foremost among them the Moroccan Sahara issue.

“We agree that solutions must be in line with international law and principles, and that these same principles cannot be exploited or interpreted in a way that halts the progress towards solutions,” Bourita stressed.

The Moroccan top diplomat, recalling that Russia holds the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of October, which is to address this issue, said that “it is now time to take into account the momentum this issue is gaining at the international level, thanks to the impetus provided by HM King Mohammed VI and the changes in the positions of several countries.”

“Russia is a key player in this issue, as a member of the Group of Friends of the Sahara and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and currently holds the rotating presidency of thie Council,” Bourita insisted, adding that discussions on this subject between Morocco and Russia will continue in the coming days.

He emphasized, in the same vein, that Morocco considers Russia to be an active and important player on the international stage as a permanent member of the Security Council with influence on several international issues and matters, noting that “the dialogue between our two countries will have positive results.”

“This is a dialogue that is not against anyone, but a dialogue to strengthen regional peace and stability,” he said.

Bourita noted that Russia and Morocco play a role in the Arab region and Africa, adding that dialogue between the two countries is likely to bring their views closer together and strengthen stability in both regions.

For his part, the Russian foreign minister said that the two countries “share the position that these international principles must not be interpreted selectively (…) but must be applied and respected in their entirety and interdependence.”