France condemns Smara attack, reaffirms support for Moroccan autonomy initiative in Sahara

France also affirmed its support for negotiation efforts to end a conflict that has "lasted too long." The statement highlighted that "the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty paves the way for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable peace," adding that it constitutes, for Paris, "the sole basis" for achieving a solution. French authorities also called on MINURSO, in coordination with Moroccan authorities, to shed full light on these attacks, while commending the work of the UN mission in this context.