Israel, Morocco agree to full diplomatic relations (Ld)

Washington, Dec 11 : Israel and Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations as US President Donald Trump said that Washington recognises Rabat’s sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, Trump announced: “Today, I signed a proclamation recognising Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the only basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity.
“Another historic breakthrough today. Our two great friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations, a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East.
“Morocco recognized the US in 1777. It is thus fitting we recognise their sovereignty over the Western Sahara.” Also in a statement confirming the development, the White House said that Trump and Moroccan King Mohammed VI spoke on the phone earlier in the day.
The President “reaffirmed his support for Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute over the Western Sahara territory and as such the President recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory”, the statement said.