Julian HARSTON, former deputy SG of the UN: “France’s recognition of (…)

.

Comments collected by our special correspondent in Marrakech (Morocco),

Bruno FANUCCHI for AfricaPresse.Paris (APP)
@africa_presse

.

APP – The state visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, from October 28 to 30, excited all Moroccans. Does this mean that a page is turning?

Julian HARSTON – A page is clearly turning because French President Emmanuel Macron has said here very clearly that the only future for Western Sahara is the autonomy recommended by His Majesty Mohammed VI. And he even announced that France was going to open a consulate there, in Laâyaoune or Dakhla. This recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is truly a historic moment. To the great joy of all Moroccans.

.

“President Macron involves France
in the economic future of the Kingdom »

.

APP – France has therefore chosen its camp, but can its example be followed by others?

Julian HARSTON – I hope so, even if it will cause him difficulties with the Algerians, difficulties which have already begun because Algeria refuses to admit that it is a party to this conflict and persists in blocking any peaceful solution .

It is above all the end of Macron's “at the same time” who naively wanted to be good with everyone, with Algeria as with Morocco. But, in life, you have to know how to choose according to your interests and the higher interests of the Nation that you represent. This international recognition is a major step forward and symbolically very important.

I also hope that this example will be followed by the United Kingdom within two years and perhaps even as early as next year. The new British government is faced with many internal political problems to prioritize its relations with the Maghreb countries which, unlike France, have never been in its zone of influence. But I am firmly convinced that it will happen and be done.

APP – What will be the concrete fruits of this Franco-Moroccan reconciliation?

Julian HARSTON – It was an impressive visit and also very important economically, because the French President was accompanied by around fifty business leaders and investors wanting to do business here in many sectors such as oil or automobile. He involved France in the economic future of the Kingdom in a more important way than ever.

At the end of this state visit, these economic operators were all happy with their welcome to Morocco and really optimistic because this return of France to the economic development of the Kingdom seems essential to them. The Franco-Moroccan quarrel had lasted too long.

Trust has been regained and is essential for improving the business climate not only in France, but throughout Europe. Because I believe that Africa is today more important for Europe than Europe is for Africa.

.

.

“This speech by the King on the Sahara
Moroccan has left its mark on everyone's minds »

.

APP – In his speech on November 6, King Mohammed VI stressed that “the time has come for the United Nations to take their responsibilities” on this sensitive issue. Can you tell us more?

Julian HARSTON – On the occasion of the 49^e anniversary of the Green March, the Cherifian sovereign indeed underlined – I quote – “the attachment of Our sons of the Sahara to their Moroccanness and to the symbols of the Nation by virtue of the centuries-old links which unite the population of the Sahara and the Kings of the Morocco “. He also endeavored to recall “the dynamic of renewal and development, security and stability enjoyed by the Moroccan Sahara”. And he finally welcomed “the increased recognition of the Moroccan nature of the Sahara and the broad support for the autonomy proposal”.

Everything has been said: this speech by the King on the Moroccan Sahara has left its mark on everyone's minds.

This is why the United Nations, to whose service I have devoted a large part of my career, must indeed “take their responsibilities” and choose between two paradigms: “the one embodied by Morocco in its realistic Sahara and legitimate and one which is based on a sclerotic vision, cut off from the real world and its developments”, embodied – you have understood it well – by Algeria.

I believe, however, that the United Nations still remains the most important place to try to resolve conflicts in the world.

APP – Why does Morocco’s sovereignty over the southern provinces – regions 11 and 12 of the country – seem legitimate and incontestable to you?

Julian HARSTON – It’s ancestral and a historical fact: they are Moroccans because the Sahara is part of Morocco. In recent years, many countries have recognized this Moroccan sovereignty over the southern provinces. This diplomatic success of Morocco, especially in Africa, is extraordinary. The sovereignty of Morocco – I repeat – is legitimate and incontestable.

Having led for several years MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara), a peacekeeping operation whose mandate has just been extended by one year until October 31, 2025 , I know perfectly well what I am talking about and that is why I am speaking today. Because we are living in a historic moment.

.

“Morocco has become a
leading country of the Continent »

.

APP – Morocco, which joined the African Union in 2017, is thus establishing and strengthening its already great influence throughout the Continent?

Julian HARSTON – By deliberately choosing Africa, where His Majesty Mohammed VI has made numerous visits and tours, Morocco has truly become an African country again, with a long Atlantic coastline, which interests and creates important links with its African neighbors. It is no longer just a former French colony and a uniquely Mediterranean country.

The Kingdom has somehow changed in size and influence, becoming one of the leading countries on the Continent. Moroccans, and particularly those in the southern provinces, in full economic expansion, are already feeling the dividends. In Laâyaoune as in Dakhla, everything changed in a few years because the King made it his priority with enormous investments for the future.

APP – What are the most important changes that you have observed in recent years regarding Moroccan diplomacy?

Julian HARSTON – It was once a didactic diplomacy, but it has changed a lot to transform itself into a very effective diplomacy and in particular an economic diplomacy which seems more and more active. The vision we have of Morocco has changed, not only in Africa, but on the international scene and this success is extraordinary. This followed a speech by the King which, in 2018, set a new course for Moroccan diplomacy.

With the sovereign, we really were of the same opinion. I am therefore very optimistic today on the diplomatic and economic level for this beautiful country. Strengthened by events, my Moroccan friends today have confidence in themselves. I have great hope for the Kingdom of Morocco and the development of the Sahara, even if I always remain a “critical friend” daring to say things frankly to the Moroccan authorities – even at the highest level – for many years.

.

.

Agenda Paris, Tuesday 11/26/24 – Seven Ambassadors will participate in the XV^e CAAPdedicated to rail networks in Africa. REGISTRATIONS OPEN.

.