France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati became on Monday the first French official to make a formal visit to the Western Sahara, a sign of Paris's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory. For Algeria, which defends claims for the territory's independence, the visit showed "contempt" for international law.
"This is the first time that a French minister has come to the southern provinces," Dati said, using Morocco's name for the area.
