"I commend the peaceful initiative undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco and I express my solidarity with it, for the responsible measures taken, in compliance with international law, by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to preserve the territorial integrity of Morocco, as well as the rights, safety and security of its citizens," Dr Bellavance points out in a statement.

"I am referring with great concern to the recent developments in El Guergarate crossing point. The acts of banditry carried out by a group of polisario militias have impeded the free movement of vehicles on the main trade route between Morocco and Mauritania whilst continuously harassing the local civilians," he added, noting that "they had illegally entered a restricted zone, causing a blockade and the destruction of the road linking Morocco to Mauritania."

"After alerting the UN Secretary General, the senior UN officials, the Security Council members as well as neighbouring States about these extremely serious developments, Morocco conducted a peaceful operation, on the 13th November, in order to restore the free movement of citizens and goods without clashes or threat to the safety of civilians," Dr Bellavance underlined. 

He also reiterated his support to the efforts made by the United Nations' Secretary General "to reach a negotiated, just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with various Security Council resolutions which will provide a peaceful settlement to the regional issue."

Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector, is dedicated to achieving world peace.