Spain's new position on the Moroccan Sahara issue gives a powerful impetus to the Moroccan autonomy initiative, said the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for the Sahara, Erik Jensen.

A number of European political figures have welcomed Spain's recognition of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the most serious, realistic and credible solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, calling on other European countries to follow suit.

By supporting the autonomy initiative in the Moroccan Sahara, as "the most serious, realistic and credible basis", Spain has adopted a "strategic and courageous" decision to build a "stable, solid, perennial and transparent" relationship with Morocco, underline Spanish media.

The change in the position of the Spanish government, which now supports the Moroccan autonomy initiative to resolve the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, "was necessary", said former Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz.

"The message sent to HM King Mohammed VI was a wise message to establish a relationship of trust on solid foundations, with absolute sincerity on the part of both parties," said Zapatero in a special interview broadcast on "Medi1 radio".