The Moroccan press is celebrating the 29th anniversary of what is known in French as the "Marche Verte" or Green March to the consternation of neighboring rival Algeria. The Moroccans interpret the event as liberating their southern provinces and the Algerians as occupying foreign land.
The International Court of Justice at The Hague recognized that the Sahara had judicial links with Morocco and 350.000 men and women, armed with Qurans, responded to the call of the sovereign in 1975 and marched into the desert with Moroccan flags.
Many of the local tribes opposed what they call occupation, supported by Algeria, and demand independence. The Green March has caused high tensions and a near state of war with Algeria. (albawaba.com)
