Joe Pitts: “The new king of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, seems intent on renewing conflict in Western Sahara. The King recently…”

“The new king of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, seems intent on renewing conflict in Western Sahara. The King recently visited Moroccan troops stationed in the Occupied Territory of Western Sahara to celebrate the 1975 anniversary of the Moroccan invasion. The King initiated new oil contracts for Western Saharan land with American and French companies. The King of Morocco is acting as if Western Sahara is Moroccan territory. The 1975 International Court of Justice decision clearly states there are no ties, quote, ``of territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco.'' The Sahrawi people love democracy and the American people and have rebuffed attempts by rogue nations to get involved in their conflicts. The provocative acts of King Mohammed VI could plunge North Africa into conflict and instability, a perfect opportunity for the terrorist extremists in Morocco to attack innocent Moroccans, Algerians, and others. Morocco's continued blocking of the referendum for the Sahrawis makes it quite possible that hostilities could resume. I urge the Moroccan Government to stick to the original agreements arrived at under the United Nations.”