Press Statement by the Portuguese Communiat Party

The PCP condemns the brutal attack by the Moroccan occupation forces of Western Sahara launched against 20.000 Saharawi citizens who were protesting against the occupation, the repression by Moroccan military and police forces and demanding a referendum for the self-determination of the Saharawi people in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.

Launched in response to the repeated and unacceptable violations of law and basic human rights and carried out during an attempt to resume informal negotiations between the Polisario Front and the Kingdom of Morocco, this attack – which assumed terrible aspects and caused several dead and wounded, including children and the elderly – is a particularly serious example of Morocco’s policy of repression and terror and yet another proof of the continuous blocking by the Moroccan authorities of a real and fair peace process and of negotiation with the people of Western Sahara and their legitimate representatives – the Polisario Front.

In condemning a criminal action that violates international law, United Nations resolutions and even the cease fire signed by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, the PCP demands from the Portuguese government a clear and unequivocal condemnation of this action and expresses its solidarity with the struggle of the Saharawi people for self-determination and independence.
The PCP expresses its support to the movement of peace and solidarity with the people of Western Sahara in Portugal and appeals for the participation in the actions planned during the visit of Saharawi activist Aminetou Haidar to Portugal.