The recognition by Israel of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara is part of the international support for Morocco’s stance, said the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker.

Several countries “have already done so”, Schenker told MAP, adding that the Israeli recognition “will further cement” the bilateral relationship with Morocco.

The decision of Israel to recognise the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its Sahata “was just a matter of time”, he pointed out.

“It was only natural for Israel to do so”, said the former US senior official, who underlined the United States’s unwavering position regarding this issue.

“The US remains and will remain committed to its decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara,” he stressed.

A statement issued Monday by the Royal Office said that HM King Mohammed VI has received a letter from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in which the Israeli Prime Minister brought to the Very High Attention of the Sovereign the decision of his country to “recognize the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory of Western Sahara.”

The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that his country’s position will be “reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli Government.”

He also underlined that the decision would be forwarded to the United Nations, to regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, and to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations.

In his letter to the Sovereign, the Israeli Prime Minister pointed out that his country is positively considering “the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla,” as part of the implementation of this state decision.

Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse