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Morocco Reiterates Commitment to Political Solution to Sahara Dispute

Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Morocco Reiterates Commitment to Political Solution to Sahara Dispute

Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi said on Monday that his country is committed to a genuine and pragmatic political solution, under the United Nations auspices, to resolve the Moroccan Sahara dispute.

Speaking at the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council, Ouahbi said Morocco continues to support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, aimed at re-launching the series of talks, which were held in December 2018 and March 2019, with the participation of all parties, including the one responsible for creating and perpetuating the conflict - a reference to Algeria.

The minister reiterated Moroccan King Mohamed VI’s determination to resolve the dispute while maintaining the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the kingdom.

Ouahbi said many friends and observers support the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan, which the UN Security Council considers as a serious and credible initiative, and the “only” prospect for the international political process.

The minister said his country affirms its commitment to continue efforts aimed at achieving international peace and security and combating new threats, primarily terrorism and violent extremism, and incitement to hatred and xenophobia, which are considered the greatest threats to human rights.

The kingdom was open to dialogue with all United Nations mechanisms and organizations, in line with its democratic rights, he said, adding that the recent Moroccan legislative and communal elections were “a clear commitment of the Kingdom to the right of political choice and the guarantee of the democratic process.”

He stressed that the kingdom will spare no effort in defending African issues, especially those related to development, combating poverty and immigration problems.

He highlighted Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding freedoms and guaranteeing rights, whether civil, political, or economic and social.

Ouahbi announced that Morocco has decided to stand as a candidate for the UN Human Rights Council for 2023-2025, and that Rabat enjoys the support of the African Union, Arab League, several other regional groups and friendly countries.

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Lebanese Army Deploys South as Israel Withdraws from Border Villages

Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
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Lebanese Army Deploys South as Israel Withdraws from Border Villages

Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)

Tensions remain high on Lebanon's southern border, with Israel continuing to violate the ceasefire daily. Efforts are underway, both within Lebanon and internationally, to prevent another war.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army is completing its deployment in the south as Israeli forces pull out of villages they had entered.

Lebanese officials are hopeful for calm and expect all parties to stick to the agreement. The monitoring committee is set to begin its work soon, with the French general arriving on Wednesday, following the American general who will lead the committee.

Their first meeting will be on Thursday, according to military sources.

As Israel began pulling out its troops and equipment from villages in southern Lebanon, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Tuesday that the Lebanese Army had stepped up its presence in Tyre and nearby areas to ensure security.

This marks the start of the Army’s redeployment in the south, especially in border villages.

The Lebanese Army also announced it is recruiting volunteers to strengthen its forces in the south and help implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 after the ceasefire.

The ceasefire agreement calls for a 60-day truce, during which Israel is expected to withdraw from the southern villages. Hezbollah is required to end its armed presence south of the Litani River, where 10,000 Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) will be deployed.

Tensions, however, eased on Tuesday along Lebanon's southern border after a sharp escalation between Hezbollah and Israel on Monday evening.

Nevertheless, Israeli violations continued, with over 80 breaches recorded by the Lebanese Army in the past week.

On Tuesday, Israeli shelling killed a civilian in Shebaa, with the National News Agency reporting the man was struck by a missile from an Israeli drone.

An artillery shell also hit the Marjayoun Plain, and an Israeli Merkava tank crossed into the area near the border between Deir Mimas, Burj al-Mulouk, and Kfarkila in the south, stopping 200 meters from a Lebanese Army checkpoint.

Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV reported a convoy of 15 Israeli vehicles moved from the Wazzani border area toward Wadi al-Khayam, with part of the convoy heading towards the eastern part of Khiam. This followed reports that Israeli vehicles had withdrawn from eastern Khiam on Monday.

Israel also launched airstrikes on the town of Bayt Lifa in southern Lebanon and fired machine guns at Majdal Zoun.

In response, the Israeli military said it targeted a terrorist cell in the Bekaa Valley.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Monday that Israel might push deeper into Lebanon and no longer differentiate between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah if the ceasefire breaks down.

Katz stated, “If the ceasefire collapses, Lebanon will have no immunity,” adding that Israel would act with greater force if the war resumes.