Pompeo declares the start of establishing a US consulate in the Western Sahara

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared, Thursday, the beginning of establishing a consulate for his country in the desert region.

That comes as a result of the United States' recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the desert region, while Rabat agreed on normalization of relations with Israel.

“I am pleased to announce the start of the construction of American consuls in Western Sahara,” he tweeted.

He also drew attention to the aspirations of the United States to promote economic and social development with the participation of the people of the region.

Early this December, US President Donald Trump signed a declaration that recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over the desert region, while he also declared that Rabat pledged to establish Israel's diplomatic relations.

On December 13, the United States adopted a new map of Morocco, including the Sahara province, in an event at the Washington Embassy in Rabat.

Rabat insists on its right in the Sahara province, proposes broad autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario demands a referendum to determine the region’s fate, a proposal backed by Algeria that harbors refugees from the disputed territory.

Since 1975, a dispute between Morocco and “Polisario” has been taking place over the desert territory, which began after the Spanish occupation ended its presence in the region.

The conflict turned into an armed confrontation that lasted until 1991, and stopped with the signing of a ceasefire agreement that called “krarat” a demilitarized zone.

At the end of last November, the Polisario declared that it was no longer committed to the ceasefire agreement, following a move by the Moroccan army that ended the closure of the Karrat crossing by its supporters since last October 21.