Thousands of people marched in Madrid on Saturday in demand for freedom and independence for the Western Sahara. The protestors said that there was a clear case of illegal forceful occupation in the area.
A manifesto was read out by three of Spain’s top actresses, Maribel Verdú, Luisa Martín and Verónica Forqué. They see Morocco as the occupying force, but hold Spain to blame for the situation for ‘abandoning’ the Sahara in 1974.
Meanwhile at the NATO annual assembly, which continues in Valencia until Tuesday, it was announced that Spain will be extending its military presence in Africa following the threat of terrorism and more illegal immigration. There is also concern about drug trafficking through the region.
Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, defended a political and military focus at the meeting on Afghanistan. He said that the Afghans should be helped to hold their own future elections, but said that Spain would not contribute to any new military force needed in the country.
Rodrigo Rato, the ex Director of the International Monetary Fund, commented that there is a great opportunity in the current economic crisis for free trade liberalisation.