Western Sahara News

RABAT, 28th October 2014 (WAM) - The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has announced that in line with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom of Morocco will provide an active support to the UAE in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to maintain regional and international peace and stability. "This action, part of the tradition of successful partnership and strong solidarity between the two brotherly countries, reinforces a historic and multifaceted military and security cooperation with Gulf States," the ministry said in a statement issued today. "It supports and complements the other measures taken on the Moroccan territory to preserve the security and tranquility of Moroccan citizens face to the threat of international terrorism," it added. According to the ministry, the contribution of the kingdom will focus on military operational and intelligence aspects. "In addition to its recognized in

Travel to North Africa brings the tourist face to face with unique customs and heritage from its diverse array of inhabitants. In this report from world-traveller Richard Hand, we learn about obscure Western Sahara and its tumultuous existence. Tug of War The status and politics of Western Sahara have been contested and unstable almost since the end of WWII when this previous Spanish colony was relinquished from its control by the mother country. Its fate is still ponderous and uncertain with friction coming from Morocco with its claim of interest, Algeria to the northeast that identifies itself with a large component of the area’s population (Sahrawi, of Bedouin descent), and the country’s internal movement, the Polisario Front, that seeks independence for this area it calls Sahrawi. The area controlled by the Polisario borders directly on Algeria and Mauritania and is known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) with its provisional capital at Bir Lehlou. Mind

A subsidiary of Glencore has been awarded two petroleum exploration licences off the coast of Western Sahara. The two concessions granted by the occupying power, Morocco, undermine the ongoing UN peace process. If the Swiss commodities giant proceeds with its exploration activities against the wishes of the local population, it will do so in violation of international legal principles. Zurich/Lausanne, 27th October 2014 In 2013 and 2014, the Moroccan authorities awarded Glencore Production and Exploration (Morocco) Ltd. the drilling permits for two offshore blocks, Foum Ognit and Boujdour Shallow. According to a presentation given by the Zug-based company, the two blocks are located within Moroccan territory. This information is incorrect: the blocks in fact belong to Western Sahara, a country under Moroccan occupation since the colonising power Spain’s departure in 1976. Today, half the Sahrawi population live in refugee camps in Algeria. As long as Morocco is able to pro

The State Department is warning American businesses operating in North Africa of an increased risk of retaliation by militants over the U.S. military campaign against the Islamic State. The warning, which is specific to Morocco, is contained in an Oct. 7 dispatch -- obtained by Fox News -- from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and its Overseas Security Advisory Council. While no specific plot or credible intelligence is cited, the message warns that: "As the U.S. Government extends its anti-ISIL efforts, there is a heightened risk that U.S. private sector and civilian interests may be targeted." The report with the subject line, "ISIL Outside Iraq and Syria: Morocco," also warns that the North African nation now has one of the largest contingents of foreign fighters -- between 1,500 and 2,000 -- in Syria and Iraq. The report underscores the reach of the Islamic State, and ties among its members to other countries, as U.S. jets pound ISIS position

Khalil Asmar The revelations of Chris Coleman don’t seem to let any details escape away. The Moroccan Snowden has unveiled the shadowy zones that cover the lobbying taking place in the land of uncle Sam, the United States of America. Following the publication of one of his confidential documents, the curse has fallen this time on the head of the Moroccan American Center (MAC). The indiscretion was committed by Chris Coleman on DROPOX site and then relayed through his twitter account. Caught in its own trap, the center hectically sent an email to claim property rights, forcing the DROPOX site to delete the document. Story of a disguised lobbying: Morocco plunged into the world of lobbying through organization carrying anodyne names, such as the ‘Moroccan American Cultural Center’, ‘Moroccan American Trade and Investment Council’, and the ‘Moroccan American Center for Policy’ but in effect, they are no more than offshoots of the Moroccan American Center (MAC). While pret

Thiong NIang avec Barack Obama à Washington DC Thione Niang est le président du Comité International des Jeunes Démocrates d’Amérique. Originaire du Sénégal, il a fait campagne pour Barack Obama et il est l'un de ses collaborateurs.  La DGED s'est servi de ses relations au Sénégal pour le recruter dans le but de faire campagne pour le Maroc. Il a visité les camps des réfugiés sahraouis et les territoires occupés du Sahara Occidental sur instructions du Maroc. Dans un email, Mohamed Cherkaoui, un officier du DGED lui a demandé de poster des articles dans les grands journaux américains. Il répond avec une lettre dans laquelle il juge la publication dans la presse d'inefficace. Il propose une approche différente moyennant des contactes avec les milieux sensibles aux thèses sahraouies. Ce qu’il ne pourra pas faire s’il dévoile son affinité avec les thèses marocaines à travers des articles de presse. « Si j’écris maintenant, ils vont immédiatement fermer le

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT (Third Chamber) 9 October 2014 ( * ) (Reference for a preliminary ruling — External relations — Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco — Exclusion of any possibility for Community vessels to carry out fishing activities in Moroccan fishing zones on the basis of a licence issued by the Moroccan authorities without the intervention of the competent European Union authorities) In Case C‑565/13, REQUEST for a preliminary ruling under Article 267 TFEU from the Hovrätten för Västra Sverige (Sweden), made by decision of 31 October 2013, received at the Court on 4 November 2013, in the criminal proceedings against Ove Ahlström, Lennart Kjellberg, Fiskeri Ganthi AB, Fiskeri Nordic AB, THE COURT (Third Chamber), composed of M. Ilešič, President of the Chamber, A. Ó Caoimh, C. Toader, E. Jarašiūnas (Rapporteur) and C.G. Fernlund, Judges, Advocate General: N. Jääskinen, Regis