Ambassador Omar Hilale, Moroccan Permanent Representative to the United Nations

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Global acknowledgement of the claim of Morocco over the Western Sahara was solidified through the issuance of the United Nations Security Council resolution in this regard, following the decision of American President Donald Trump to recognize its sovereignty over the territory, says Moroccan Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Omar Hilale.

In his interview with Newsmax on Saturday, Hilale pointed out “this is a celebration of the unity of Morocco. It is a royal decision following the adoption of the historic Security Council resolution recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. It is our Unity Day.” Morocco declared Oct 31 as a new national holiday, Unity Day, commemorating the UN Security Council’s resolution that the ambassador described as “the culmination of 50 years of diplomatic effort, patience, hard work, and economic investment both domestically and internationally.” He said “the recognition confirms the act of allegiance of the population of the Sahara to the Alaouite monarchy,” describing the nationwide celebrations that erupted after King Mohammed VI’s speech announcing the decision.

“The population immediately took to the streets after His Majesty the King’s speech to express their joy, satisfaction and happiness. There were millions of people — a true national celebration — thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, his vision for the return of the Sahara, and his patience through the years of conflict,” he disclosed. He then credited Trump for breaking years of diplomatic stalemate. He pointed out “I think history will remember that President Trump was the first head of a major nation to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara. He was the first world leader to believe in the possibility of hope, unity and reconciliation. Thanks to President Trump, the status quo is over. He seeks peace and reconciliation.” He said the initiative of Trump at the UN “opened the way for other countries to follow suit, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany, which now support the autonomy plan of Morocco as the only feasible solution to the dispute.”

He added “His Majesty the King made a point of mentioning President Trump by name as a friend — a friend of His Majesty and of the Moroccan people — because it was thanks to him that this resolution was adopted.” “We hope that President Trump can visit the Sahara. We also hope that by next year, the dispute over the Sahara will be resolved — thanks to the wisdom and vision of President Trump, and the diplomatic foresight of His Majesty the King, who has remained steadfast in defending our territorial integrity and sovereignty over our Sahara,” he concluded