France’s Macron wins Moroccan cheers on Western Sahara, football

RABAT, Oct 29 (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron told Morocco’s parliament on Tuesday the disputed territory of Western Sahara should be under Moroccan sovereignty, reiterating in person a statement made in July that paved the way for warmer relations with Rabat.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

France and Morocco have had a difficult relationship over the past three years. Paris, keen to control immigration from North African countries, angered Rabat by drastically reducing visas to its nationals in 2021.

By backing Morocco on the Western Sahara issue, France is hoping to win Rabat’s goodwill on immigration issues that could impact other European countries – and win lucrative deals for French firms.

KEY QUOTES

ON WESTERN SAHARA:

“For France, this territory’s present and future fall under Morocco’s sovereignty,” Macron said to a standing ovation from Moroccan lawmakers. “This position is what France will advocate to help Morocco in international organisations.

“This position is hostile to no one,” he added, referring to Algeria, which considers Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara an occupation.

ON FRANCE’S COLONIAL PAST IN MOROCCO:

“Our common history also has dark parts. The time came for unequal treaties, when hubris and the mechanical force of European countries imposed themselves around the world, and when, even disguised as a protectorate, Morocco did not escape the ambitions and the violence of colonial history.

“France broke into (Morocco), first through trade and financial deals, then by the treaty of Fez.”

ON IMMIGRATION:

“We can see this is also about mutual trust. Many French people have high expectations on this. We need more results.”

ON SOCCER:

“There is one issue where we continue to fight. It’s football,” he said to laughter in the audience. “Your players are a dream for our championships, they even reconcile (rival French soccer teams) Paris-Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille.” (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by Mark Heinrich)

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