Western Sahara : Egypt denies plans to open consulate in Laayoune

Egyptian sources have denied on Saturday reports that Cairo would consider inaugurating a consulate in the Sahara. Speaking to Al Monitor, Rakha Hassan, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said that Egypt will not open a consulate in Western Sahara.

«Egypt has no interest in this territory», he said. «Egypt's position has remained unchanged on the Western Sahara issue so far, and this position will not change overnight», he added.

«Egypt's position on the Western Sahara issue is the same and in line with UN resolutions that call for a referendum allowing the Western Sahara citizens to decide either to be part of Morocco or to be independent», he added.

Al Monitor recalls that Moroccan media announced in December that Cairo intends to inaugurate a consulate in Laayoune, adding that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will visit Rabat.

On December 15, Egypt called on Morocco and the Polisario Front to show restraint and abide by UN Security Council resolutions, including the 1991 truce agreement.