French public television channels have started gradually broadcasting the complete map of Morocco which includes the Western Sahara.
This change follows France’s recent official recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces on Throne Day, considering the Autonomy Plan “the sole basis for achieving a negotiated political solution under the United Nations.”
Previously, France news outlets often showed the map of Morocco divided by a dashed line or excluded Western Sahara.
French President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” In a letter to Morocco’s King, Macron highlighted “France’s unwavering position on this national security issue for Morocco,” and acknowledged that “it is time to move forward.”
Rabat has welcomed France’s new stance as “a significant and important step in supporting Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.”
Earlier, France had only described Morocco’s plan as “a serious and credible basis for discussion” in resolving the issue, while Western powers are increasingly backing Morocco’s rights.