RABAT (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron told Morocco’s parliament on Tuesday the disputed territory of Western Sahara should be under Moroccan sovereignty, reiterating in person a statement made in July that paved the way for warmer relations with Rabat. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT France and Morocco have had a difficult relationship over the past […]
RABAT (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron told Morocco’s parliament on Tuesday the disputed territory of Western Sahara should be under Moroccan sovereignty, reiterating in person a statement made in July that paved the way for warmer relations with Rabat.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
France and Morocco have had a difficult relationship over the past three years . Paris, keen to control immigration from North African countries, angered Rabat by drastically reducing visas to its nationals in 2021.
By backing Morocco on the Western Sahara issue , France is hoping to win Rabat’s goodwill on immigration issues that could impact other European countries – and win lucrative deals for French firms.
KEY QUOTES
ON WESTERN SAHARA:
For France, this territory’s present and future fall under Morocco’s sovereignty,” Macron said to a standing ovation from Moroccan lawmakers. This position is what France will advocate to help Morocco in international organisations.
This position is hostile to no one,” he added, referring to Algeria , which considers Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara an occupation.
ON FRANCE’S COLONIAL PAST IN MOROCCO:
“Our common history also has dark parts. The time came for unequal treaties, when hubris and the mechanical force of European countries imposed themselves around the world , and when, even disguised as a protectorate, Morocco did not escape the ambitions and the violence of colonial history.
France broke into (Morocco), first through trade and financial deals, then by the treaty of Fez.
ON IMMIGRATION:
We can see this is also about mutual trust . Many French people have high expectations on this. We need more results.”
ON SOCCER:
There is one issue where we continue to fight. It’s football,” he said to laughter in the audience. Your players are a dream for our championships, they even reconcile (rival French soccer teams ) Paris-Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille.
(Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by Mark Heinrich)
