Rabat - April 20, 2013 (MAP)
The Sahara issue in the light of attempts to alter the MINURSO mandate is the chief topic addressed this week by the editorials of the weekly press.
Under the title "plot", Finances News Hebdo notes that following the proposal to extend the mandate of MINURSO to include monitoring human rights in the southern provinces, the Moroccan political class shouted "great conspiracy", recalling that the single mandate of this mission is to supervise the cease-fire between Morocco and the separatists, in force since 1991 in accordance with the UN resolution.
For its part, Le Temps says that "beyond amazement, anger and misunderstanding over the U.S. turnaround, one sentiment remains: disappointment."
"Disappointed, yes disappointed, Moroccans can only be disappointed at the US attitude. Disappointed that a friendly nation departs from common sense (...) to put a partial resolution on the table of the UN Security Council," it deplores.
"However, despite our great disappointment, we will overcome this obstacle, because we have an unwavering energy, that of a whole people attached to national unity," it insists. Le Reporter notes that "nobody in Morocco perceives in what way this U.S. decision to expand the mandate of MINURSO to monitor rights in the Sahara would advance the UN mediation in the Sahara conflict."
"Where can such a decision lead?" It wonders, answering in a concise manner: "to blocking the situation."
It clarifies that this is not the issue of respect for human rights that bothers Morocco, but that the Kingdom is confident that the project to entrust MINURSO with monitoring human rights "is aimed at altering the status of the Sahara."