Israel’s Recognition of Moroccan Sahara: Eminent European Politicians Urge France To Follow Suit

Several renown European figures, from across the political spectrum, exhorted France to follow in Israel’s footsteps and adopt a stand in favor of the Moroccan Sahara. The State of Israel recognized, on Monday, Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and announced its intention to establish a consulate in Dakhla.
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu announced the landmark decision in a letter to King Mohammed VI.
Bruno Fuchs, French deputy and Secretary General of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly, praised Israel’s “substantial” move to acknowledge Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, arguing that France “can no longer play ostrich.”
“Israel has just made a very strong and audacious decision. France, whose relations with the Moroccan ally is deteriorating by the day, can no longer hide its head in the sand. France must take a stand,” he added.
Meyer Habib, member of the French National Assembly, urged France to embrace a similar stance as Israel and recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He said via his Twitter account, “Honeymoon between Israel and Morocco!” I invite France to follow suit!”
The watershed proclamation triggered other more blunt comments. French deputy Pierre-Henri Dumont questioned France’s inaction on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. He confronted his detractors head-on, saying that the world’s greatest nations recognized Sahara as Moroccan but France did not. “What is keeping France from recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara?” he wondered. This is “incomprehensible and terribly harmful”.
Hervé Marseille, a French politician and senator, praised Israel’s move, saying it should motivate France in acknowledging the Moroccan Sahara and, subsequently, contribute to rebuilding the French-Moroccan ties. “Israel recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara; this decision should inspire France,” he tweeted. The French-Moroccan friendship must be fixed immediately.”
Jason GREENBLATT, Donald TRUMP’s former special adviser for Middle East peace, reiterated that the US was one of the forerunners to make such recognition. He also praised Israel for taking a similar stand, calling it the right decision. “Recognizing this sovereignty was the right move when President Donald TRUMP did it and it is the right move for Israel.”
Tomas Zdechovsky, a Czech politician and Member of the European Parliament, termed Israel’s recognition as important and historical, noting that it will help settle the regional dispute. “After the United States and key EU countries, it is an important and historical move from Israel to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,” he said adding that this decision helps expedite the resolution of the conflict for building a peaceful region.
Rachida Dati, Mayor, former Minister and former MEP, wrote: “the sovereignty of Morocco over the Sahara and its Moroccanness are indisputable.” Dati retweeted Eric Ciotti, President of LR and Deputy, as saying that Morocco’s sovereignty is undeniable and demanding that France address this strategic issue.
Journalist Anna Rayva-Barsky had validated the import of the Israeli Prime Minister’s letter, declaring that this is an official acknowledgment of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.