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Last week, Donald Trump announced the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel and recognition of Rabat's sovereignty over the territory claimed by Polisario Front independentists. On this issue, in South Africa, the ruling party, the ANC (African National Congress) is a longstanding supporter of the Polisario Front.

The recognition by the United States of Morocco's sovereign rights over Western Sahara is neither valid nor applicable, because it would amount to recognizing an illegality. United Nations resolutions have confirmed that this is an occupation, and it is not because the United States of America declares something that this changes the legal scope of United Nations resolutions. So, we will continue to assert that, in our view, the United States is wrong. We have always advocated for a negotiated solution, that is our position. We will always support the cause of the people of Western Sahara, we will continue to speak on their behalf on the international stage, and to offer them any form of humanitarian aid that they may need from us.
Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of Foreign Affairs
The South African Foreign Minister also regrets that the American announcement deals a severe blow to the Palestinian cause and strengthens Israel's occupation policy.
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