عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Morocco’s King Urges Partners for 'Unequivocal' Support over W. Sahara

King Mohammed VI called on allies to "clarify their stance... in an unequivocal manner" on the matter of Western Sahara. Photo: MAP
King Mohammed VI called on allies to "clarify their stance... in an unequivocal manner" on the matter of Western Sahara. Photo: MAP
TT
20
TT

Morocco’s King Urges Partners for 'Unequivocal' Support over W. Sahara

King Mohammed VI called on allies to "clarify their stance... in an unequivocal manner" on the matter of Western Sahara. Photo: MAP
King Mohammed VI called on allies to "clarify their stance... in an unequivocal manner" on the matter of Western Sahara. Photo: MAP

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has called on his country's partners to "clarify" their position over the disputed Western Sahara territory and offer "unequivocal" support.

"I would like to send a clear message to the world: the Sahara issue is the prism through which Morocco views its international environment," he said in a televised speech Saturday evening.

He also described the issue as the "clear and simple measure for the sincerity of friendships" between Morocco and its partners, in remarks marking the Revolution of the King and the People, a national holiday that celebrates the kingdom's anti-colonial struggle.

King Mohammed VI called on allies to "clarify their stance... in an unequivocal manner" on the matter of Western Sahara. He did not specify which countries he was addressing.

But observers saw it as a message to France, whose president is set to visit Algeria on August 25-27.

The king also saluted the United States' "incontrovertible" position.

The US under former president Donald Trump recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed former Spanish colony, a policy that has continued under his successor Joe Biden.

The king also lauded recent moves by Spain and Germany to reverse previous policies and recognize Rabat's autonomy initiative for the territory.

Spain in March publicly backed Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed region after a months-long diplomatic spat.

Rabat and Berlin had in February agreed to renew ties after a year-long diplomatic freeze over disagreements including on Trump's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Clerics Accuse West Bank Israeli Settlers of Attacking Christian Sites

Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)
Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa walks during the visit of the town of Taybeh, a Christian village in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank, following settler attacks, July 14, 2025. (Reuters)

Christian leaders accused Israeli settlers on Monday of attacking sacred sites in the West Bank, in violence that one said was forcing some to consider quitting the occupied territory.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III - visiting the Christian town of Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics - said settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th century church there last week.

"These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community ... but also to the historic and religious heritage," the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh.

Settlers had also attacked homes in the area, he said.

"We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished," he added.

Israel's government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Israel's government had previously said that any acts of violence by civilians are unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands.

During the visit, the heads of the churches led locals in prayer as candles flickered in the ruins of the 5th century church of St George. They spoke with residents who described their fears.

B'Tselem and other rights groups say settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023.

Dozens of Israelis have also been killed in Palestinian street attacks in recent years and the Israeli military has intensified raids across the West Bank.

Palestinian health authorities and witnesses said two men, including a US citizen, were killed by settlers during a confrontation on Friday night.

Fears over violence were pushing Christians to leave the West Bank, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, said.

"Unfortunately, the temptation to emigrate is there because of the situation," he added. "This time it's very difficult to see how and when this will finish, and especially for the youth to talk about hope, trust for the future."

Around 50,000 Christian Palestinians live in Jerusalem and in the West Bank, an area that includes many of the faith's most sacred sites including Bethlehem where believers say Jesus was born.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war, which Palestinians see as part of a future state.