Moroccan authorities prevented a European parliamentary delegation from getting into Laayoune this week, citing violations of diplomatic norms and authorized entry procedures.
The delegation, which tried to enter beneath the guise of tourism, was accused of finishing up an unauthorized political agenda linked to the separatist Polisario Front.
According to Moroccan safety sources, the go to had a strictly political motive, with plans for undisclosed conferences aimed toward advancing the separatist motion’s aims within the nation’s southern provinces. In response, native authorities in Laayoune took measures to disclaim entry and expel the delegation, reaffirming Morocco’s stance that respect for nationwide sovereignty is a non-negotiable precept.
The delegation included European Parliament members Anna Kati Limström and José Antero Saramo from Finland’s Left Alliance, Isabel Serra Sánchez from Spain’s Podemos occasion, Catarina Martins from Portugal’s Socialist Bloc, and Pablo Quesada Martín, assistant to the vice chairman of the European Parliament’s Left Group. An further communications officer accompanied them.
Moroccan Officials Defend Decision
Commenting on the expulsion, Moroccan lawmaker Lalla Hajja Jmani, a consultant of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra area, emphasised that Morocco is a sovereign nation with a well-established authorized and diplomatic framework. She said that any official political go to should comply with formal procedures and be coordinated with Moroccan authorities.
“The actions of this European delegation clearly violated diplomatic and institutional norms,” Jmani instructed Hespress AR. “Even within the European Parliament, members are required to obtain official authorization before undertaking foreign missions, making this visit unjustified and contrary to their own institution’s rules.”
She additional pressured that Morocco’s resolution aligns with worldwide practices that safeguard nationwide sovereignty. “The backgrounds and hostile intentions of these individuals are well known. Their actions fit into a broader campaign aimed at undermining Morocco’s diplomatic achievements under the leadership of King Mohammed VI,” she added.
“As elected representatives of the Moroccan Sahara, we fully support the authorities’ decision. This is not just the responsibility of the government but a collective duty shared by all national institutions and political entities,” Jmani concluded.
Rejection of Political Exploitation
Fatima Sayda, a lawmaker from the Istiqlal Party, additionally defended the federal government’s stance, highlighting that Morocco welcomes international guests however doesn’t tolerate makes an attempt to take advantage of vacationer visas for political maneuvering.
“Morocco remains open to international delegations, but it will not accept any exploitation of its territory to promote separatist agendas,” Sayda stated. “Legitimate parliamentary visits follow diplomatic protocols, not covert political maneuvers.”
She emphasised that the southern provinces frequently obtain international delegations who observe firsthand the area’s financial progress, offered they respect official procedures. “Morocco acted preemptively to prevent any disruption to its stability. This move reaffirms that the Polisario and its allies have resorted to outdated pressure tactics, relying on fringe leftist elements in Europe to generate media controversy,” she added.
Failed Attempts to Disrupt Stability
Mohammed Ayach, a parliamentary member from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) occasion, famous that Morocco’s actions have been primarily based on Law 03-02, which governs the entry and residency of foreigners.
“This decision, taken at the request of Laayoune’s elected officials, reflects Morocco’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty and rejecting any attempts to bypass legal entry regulations,” Ayach said. “These individuals knowingly avoided official channels, raising serious questions about their true intentions.”
He emphasised that worldwide norms dictate that official visits should be coordinated with the host nation’s establishments. “No Moroccan lawmaker would ever attempt to visit a foreign country on official business without following its legal requirements. Why should Morocco be expected to accept such breaches of protocol?” he requested.
Ayach additionally identified that this incident is a part of a broader technique by the Polisario Front to regain relevance by way of media stunts. “Despite their diplomatic failures, they are attempting to manipulate certain European leftist factions to create artificial controversy. However, Morocco’s growing international support has rendered these tactics ineffective,” he asserted.
He reiterated that Morocco’s southern provinces are open to professional guests who adjust to authorized entry necessities. “The kingdom will not allow its visa system to be misused for political agendas that threaten national unity,” he concluded.
As Morocco continues its financial and diplomatic developments, officers have reaffirmed their dedication to defending the nation’s territorial integrity in opposition to any makes an attempt at destabilization.
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