Just days after Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, announced that the U.S. is striving to broker a «peace deal» between Morocco and Algeria within the next two months, Massad Boulos, the senior advisor to the President for Arab and African Affairs, expressed optimism about resolving the Western Sahara issue. He stated, «Once a permanent solution to the Western Sahara issue is achieved, resolving the conflict between Algeria and Morocco will become significantly easier.» In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Boulos noted, «On Thursday, October 30, there will be a crucial Security Council session regarding the Sahara. We are collaborating with all partners and allies, particularly Morocco and Algeria, to reach a Security Council resolution that is as satisfactory as possible for all parties. We understand the challenge of pleasing everyone.» He elaborated, «We are engaging with all parties in the Security Council to craft language that narrows the differences in viewpoints as much as possible, paving the way for the next phase, which involves a comprehensive solution between the two nations.» Boulos emphasized, «All issues are open for discussion, especially concerning the extension of MINURSO's mandate.» He reiterated, «The stance of the United States and President Trump on the Sahara issue is unequivocal. Trump has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara under the autonomy proposal. For Trump and Washington, Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara is irreversible. We regard the Moroccan proposal for the Sahara as the best option available.» He further mentioned, «Morocco is receptive to constructive ideas within the framework of the autonomy proposal,» adding, «We are optimistic about the Sahara issue.» He continued, «Our optimism stems from knowing that King Mohammed VI of Morocco is committed to reaching a final and swift resolution, and we are aware that the Algerians are open to constructive dialogue. This is the basis of our optimism.»
