"Morocco remains committed and willing to negotiate on the basis of the principles set and repeatedly confirmed by the Security Council, as well as on that of the Autonomy Initiative which the international community has deemed serious, realistic and credible," the Sovereign said in a speech to the 67th session of the UN General Assembly read by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, who is representing HM the King in the session.

    The Sovereign insisted that Morocco will also pursue its constructive cooperation with MINURSO, on the basis of the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council – a mandate which will not change in any way, neither in form nor substance.

    HM the King pointed out that in a bid to overcome obstacles that might hinder the fulfillment of the Maghreb Union, Morocco has contributed in a sincere, dedicated manner to negotiations aimed at finding a realistic, mutually acceptable political solution to the regional artificial dispute over the Moroccan Sahara - a solution that guarantees the Kingdom’s national unity and territorial integrity, allows for reunification to take place and respects the characteristics of the region’s populations.

    In this respect, HM the King recalled that Morocco, being convinced of the importance and effectiveness of joint regional action, has undertaken initiatives and bilateral contacts to inject fresh momentum into the Arab Maghreb Union.

    The Kingdom of Morocco, the Sovereign said, believes such a strategic, inclusive regional bloc is needed. "Not only does it meet the legitimate aspirations of our peoples, but it is also necessitated by the security and development challenges facing the five Maghreb states."