By Declan Carey
DONALD Trump has set a ‘bad example’ by recognising Western Sahara as Moroccan territory according to Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, who warned the British government not to follow suit.
Wayne David MP stressed the importance of allowing the people of Western Sahara to decide their own fate.
He told Redaction Politics: “Donald Trump might have recognised Western Sahara as Moroccan territory but it is important that the British Government does not follow his bad example.
“We need to stand firm and recognise the rights of the people of Western Sahara to determine their own future.”
Trump announced the decision to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara on Twitter yesterday.
The announcement was part of a US-brokered deal which saw Morocco agree to normalise relations with Israel.
Other members of the Arab League to have resumed diplomatic relations with Israel include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Egypt and Jordan.
Former Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn criticised Trump and urged world governments to support a UN backed peace process and self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
The UK’s Conservative Government supported the deal.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “I welcome the announcement of the normalisation of relations between Israel and Morocco, which is a positive step between two valued partners of the UK.
“The UK supports efforts to reach negotiated and mutually acceptable political solutions that provide for the self-determination of both the Palestinian people and the people of Western Sahara.
“Our position on the status of Western Sahara remains unchanged.”
The UK does not currently have a diplomatic presence in Western Sahara, officially supporting UN-led efforts in the region.
The US embassy in the UK was contacted for comment.
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