The United States “has already taken this step”, that of recognizing the Moroccanness of the Sahara, said Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the American State Department.
During a press briefing, the American spokesperson was questioned following Israel’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the position of the United States on the subject.
The American position ” did not change “ despite the change of administration from Trump to Biden, he further underlined, thus closing the door to any Algerian speculation or questions about the position of the United States with regard to the Sahara conflict. The United States recognizes that the Sahara belongs to Morocco.
“Obviously, the United States took this step (of recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara) in December 2020 and that has not changed,” he replied with regard to the position of the United States concerning the Sahara issue.
The US representative reiterated the same position following a question asking him: “So Western Sahara, as far as you are concerned, is part of Morocco? “.
Matthew Miller made it clear that US policy was announced in December 2020 and has not changed, while at the same time affirming support for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura , “as it intensifies its efforts to achieve a lasting and dignified political solution for the Sahara”.
Regarding the opening of a US consulate in Dakhla, which has been delayed, the spokesperson clarified that he was not following the evolution of consulate openings.
It should be noted that these questions come after the letter sent by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to King Mohammed VI in which he formalizes the decision of the State of Israel to “recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara”, affirming that this decision will be “reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Government of Israel” and will be “transmitted to the United Nations, regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, as well as to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations “.