US Renews Support of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in the Sahara

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
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US Renews Support of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in the Sahara

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)
US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller. (AP)

The US renewed its position on the Sahara issue and supported Morocco’s autonomy plan,

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington considers “Morocco’s autonomy plan” was “serious, credible, and realistic, and one potential approach to meet the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara.”

During a press briefing in Washington, the spokesman asserted that Washington “fully supports the UN personal envoy of the secretary-general as he intensifies the UN-led political process on Western Sahara to advance an enduring and dignified solution without further delay.”

Observers said the State Department statement consolidates Washington’s firm position, contributing to the historic 2020 recognition of Morocco’s complete sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara.

In response to a question about the recent visit by US Ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Aubin to Tindouf, Miller explained that it falls within the framework of a UN-organized visit to the region, which brought together a broad range of international donors.

He stressed that the United States is the most significant contributor worldwide to international humanitarian efforts, including through its support for the vital work of UN agencies in Tindouf.

He stressed that there was “no bilateral engagement with the Polisario during this UN donor visit.”

The official Moroccan News Agency stated that the unequivocal US statement refutes allegations promoted by some media, which reported alleged meetings between the ambassador and leaders of the separatist Polisario Front.



Israeli Airstrike Targets Three Cars Carrying Medical Materials in Syria's Homs

A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the government-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the government-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
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Israeli Airstrike Targets Three Cars Carrying Medical Materials in Syria's Homs

A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the government-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
A woman walks past destroyed buildings in the government-controlled part of Homs, Syria, September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

An Israeli airstrike targeted three cars carrying medical and relief materials in the industrial city in Syria's Homs, the Syrian state news agency reported on Sunday, adding that material damage was reported.

The state news agency quoted the head of the industrial city in a town of Homs as saying that no factories were targeted inside the city and that the sound of the blast was a result of the Israeli strike, Reuters reported.

Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up such raids since last year's Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Israeli territory that sparked the Gaza war.