Midrand — A majority of sixty-eight members of the Pan- African Parliament (PAP) have adopted the motion to exert pressure on the government of the Kingdom of Morocco to release the seven human rights activists that were "abducted upon their return from visiting their families in the Saharawi refugee camps."

The motion also stated that in view of the Moroccan convinced authorities decision to bring the seven human rights defenders before a Moroccan military court and the dangerous outcome of such action on the United Nations- African Union peace progress in the territory, that the parliament's previous recommendations which re- affirm the Saharawi people's right to independence and self- determination still stand.

This declaration was made in the sixth day of the First Ordinary Session of the Pan- African Parliament holding in Midrand South Africa. According to them, the parliament's approach to this dragging issue should be proactive, as conferring the pariah status to Morocco will drive the Africa Union's point home.

The parliamentarians maintained that if Morocco has refused to align itself with the African Union but has made efforts to join the European Union, that sanctions should be imposed on the Kingdom and they should not be allowed to participate in any activity on the African soil, including the forthcoming FIFA World Cup next year. They also recommended the formation of African Union Security Council to take care of this situation and other member- states.

The seconder of the motion, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira from Zimbabwe said of the motion: "The issue of Saharawi Arab Republic has been on the agenda of Africa for so long. In a continent that is today bursting with democracy, it is appalling to see an area in the yoke of colonialism and oppression. This house asks for the release of the seven human rights activists and indeed, all the inhabitants of that area. It remains the only black spot in the continent."