The Algerian government has taken note, with great regret and deep disapproval, of the unexpected, ill-timed and counterproductive decision of the French government providing unequivocal and unqualified support to Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This decision was officially communicated to the Algerian authorities by the French authorities in recent days. The colonial powers, both old and new, tend to recognize, understand and assist one another. France’s decision clearly stems from questionable political motives, morally dubious assumptions and legal interpretations that lack any foundation or justification. This French decision does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Western Sahara issue. Instead, it bolsters the impasse–one precisely created by the so-called Moroccan autonomy plan–which has lasted for more than seventeen years. Even though the international community has long been convinced that the Western Sahara issue undoubtedly falls under a decolonization process to be completed, this French decision twists the facts by giving credence to colonial practices and unjustifiably backs Morocco’s alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara’s territory. France’s stance is especially unacceptable given that it comes from a permanent member of the Security Council supposed to adhere to the Council’s decisions in particular and international law in general. Finally, at a time when the UN is mobilizing efforts to give new momentum to the process of seeking a political settlement to the conflict in Western Sahara, this French decision runs counter to these efforts and hinders progress towards peace, stability and security in the region. The Algerian government views that the French decision does not serve the objectives of peace in Western Sahara. It only serves to extend the current impasse, and both justifies and bolsters the colonial fait accompli in this territory. The Algerian government will consider all the consequences stemming from this French decision, for which the French government bears sole and complete responsibility.
