Huge Moroccan protests against UN chief stance on W. Sahara

Morocco considers the vast mineral-rich region as its "southern provinces" and took offense when U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon used the word "occupation" after a visit this month to refugee camps for the region's native Sahraouis in southern Algeria.

Protesters on Sunday filled the streets of Rabat after leading Moroccan political parties, unions and non-governmental groups called for a national demonstration.