The United Nations Security Council approved this Thursday as expected extend one year Until 31 October 2023, Minurso, mission in Western Sahara. Adopted by resolution 13 votes in favor and Russia and Kenya abstain and celebrated with acceptance. enthusiasm by ambassador Morocco In front of the UN, Omar Hilale and a frustration much more pronounced by the representative. polisario facade, Sidi Omar. And the contrast of these reactions, similar to the ones in recent years, reveals a truth that is in the details of the text and on the spot: Rabat continues to advance on the diplomatic front while Polisario lost support and added disappointments.
Resolution drafted by the United States extends the mission’s mandate, Encourages parties to return to the negotiating table last held in 2019 and Special delivery for Sahara since last year, Staffan de Mistura’s photo. It also appeals to a “find”.a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution based on consensus“, a tongue squares with this one to promote Morocco with your autonomy plan.
As it has been for a long time, However, there is no mention of a referendum. This should allow the Saharawi people to exercise their right to self-determination, something that has contributed to Kenya’s abstention, its ambassador said.obvious duty drift” It’s about the intention for which it was created. De Mistura’s post, included in the report presented by the Secretary-General last week, does not even mention the difficulties that Morocco has had for a year to visit the region due to the conditions imposed.
In addition, the text repeatedly includes Algeria and Mauritania as key parties that it “strongly” encourages to participate in the process; this is something more in line with Morocco’s position, which is trying to force Algeria to negotiate and not exercise. only observer role.
“More Layers of Confusion”
It all led to Polisario representative Omar assuring that after the vote:once again Security Council failed” and “again, it did not provide MINURSO with practical measures to guarantee the full exercise of its mandate”, including holding a referendum on self-determination. “Add more layers of confusion what’s already there,” he complained.
He also rejected pressure to include Algeria more, reassuring that Polisario would not “participate in a negotiation process based on an approach that deviates in substance or form” from those established by the UN and the African Union. And declared ” inactivity The Security Council’s decision leaves the Saharawi people no choice but to make a choice. continue and intensify their legitimate armed struggle to defend inalienable and inalienable right to self-determination and independence”.
On the other hand, and with full satisfaction, Moroccan Ambassador Hilale recently interpreted it as a reaffirmation of the European Union, assuring that the resolution “irrevocably sanctifies the superiority, credibility and seriousness of the Moroccan autonomy plan”. “Great support from the international community” Emphasizing that more than 90 countries support this as a solution, this plan He called it “a regional conflict between Morocco and Algeria”.