Algiers, 20 Mar The Saharawi Association for the Defence of Human Rights (ASADEDH), a group critical of the leaders of the Polisario Front defending the independence of Western Sahara, welcomed “with satisfaction” the “courageous” decision of the head of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, to support the autonomy plan of Rabat for the former Spanish colony. In a statement sent today to Efe, the NGO considered that this new position of Spain aims to seek a solution to the Sahara conflict “without victors or vanquishers” and will contribute to the stability of the entire region of North Africa and Southern Europe. For the Association, this decision, moreover, “will end the hardships both in terms of human rights and the harsh living conditions suffered for almost five decades by our compatriots in the Tindouf camps (Algeria)”. “We applaud and support this historic step forward in favor of peace taken by the Spanish Government,” said the NGO, which condemned “incitement to violence, mobilization and advocacy of war.” The Association specified that this “incitement to violence” is exercised by the leaders of the Frente Polisario “encouraged and supported by the Algerian government, which only encourages the destabilization of this already fragile region”. The announcement of the new Spanish position was initially made on Friday by the Moroccan royal cabinet and was later confirmed by the Spanish Government, and represents a change in Spain's position on the future of Sahara, since until now Spain defended the UN agreements to hold a referendum in that territory and thus determine its future politician. Spain's new stance has prompted Algeria to decide this Saturday to call its ambassador in Madrid for consultations “with immediate effect”. The Algerian reaction came through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which explained that it has been “very surprised” by Spain's “sudden change” of position in supporting Morocco's autonomy project for the Sahara after several years of support for the United Nations plan. CHIEF no/pi
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