Andalusian Moroccans are called to mobilize to defend the Moroccan Sahara issue through awareness raising on the Moroccan autonomy proposal for the southern provinces and the development process launched by HM King Mohammed VI, said M . Benyaich, during a meeting with associations representative of Moroccans living in Andalusia.

On this occasion, the Ambassador stressed that the presence of a large Moroccan community in Spain in general and Andalusia in particular, can be "a strong parallel diplomatic tool" to deal with the maneuvers of the enemies of the territorial integrity.

Mr. Benyaich highlighted the interest and importance that the Embassy and various consulates to Morocco in Spain give to questions and concerns of the Moroccan community residing in the Iberian country.

'' The defense of the interests of Moroccans, especially in times of the economic crisis, and the improvement of consular services, are at the center of our concerns, '' the diplomat said, adding that these approaches lie within the framework of the efforts of the Moroccan authorities to be close to citizens living abroad and preserve their assets and their national identity.

Moreover, the ambassador urged Moroccans living in Andalusia to integrate positively in the society of the host country to curb the negative image about the Moroccan immigrant, without abandoning the Moroccan identity and foundations based on moderate Islam and balance.

He, on this occasion, stressed the importance of vigilance to deal with extremist tendencies.

At this meeting, held in the presence of Morocco's consuls general accredited in Andalusia, namely Mohamed Yebari (Seville), Sellam Berrada (Almeria) and Hassan Khantach (Algeciras), the ambassador called the Moroccans of this Spanish region to contribute to development projects launched in Morocco and to put their skills and experiences in all areas to the service of the kingdom.

The members of the Moroccan community in Andalusia reiterated on this occasion, their commitment and their constant mobilization to defend the national cause and deal with maneuvers to undermine the democratic process in Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty the King.

Several Sahrawi Moroccans living in different Andalusian cities took this meeting to reiterate their allegiance to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Alawite throne and their unwavering commitment to their Moroccan identity.

Representatives of Moroccan Andalusian exposed to the ambassador their concerns and the problems they face including those related to paperwork, learning the Arabic language for their children and those affecting the younger generations.

They suggested in this regard the establishment of an international network of associations abroad in defense of the position of Morocco on the Sahara issue and the creation of a council to discuss problems of Moroccans abroad and sensitize civil society of the host country on the national cause.