Algeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for reform within the UN system. He stated that the world is at a crossroads, with waning trust between nations, rising unilateral coercive measures, and a resurgence of the law of force. Attaf called for a more just, representative, and equitable international system.
Attaf highlighted the necessity of reforming the UN Security Council to make it more representative, just, and effective. He expressed support for the African position, stressing that correcting the historical injustice against Africa requires permanent and fair representation in the Security Council with full powers. Algeria also condemned violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region.
The Algerian minister condemned ongoing Zionist aggression against countries in the region, particularly Syria and Lebanon, and efforts to divide Somalia. He also emphasized the continued humanitarian tragedy and loss of Palestinian civilian lives, reaffirming Algeria's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's inalienable rights, including their right to an independent state with full sovereignty and Jerusalem as its capital.
Regarding the Western Sahara issue, Attaf reiterated Algeria's stance, supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. He emphasized that decolonization issues cannot be resolved by imposing reality on the ground but rather by enabling peoples to exercise their rights, as enshrined in international legitimacy. Algeria welcomes direct negotiations between the parties involved.
Attaf warned against attempts to bypass UN references or marginalize the Sahrawi people and their sole legitimate representative, the Polisario Front. He noted that Algeria has hosted Sahrawi refugees for over half a century, stressing the need to complete the decolonization process in Western Sahara through a comprehensive political process.
In the Sahel region, Algeria views it as a single space where security, development, and stability challenges intersect. The country adopts an approach that supports the security of regional countries, accompanies their development efforts, and encourages reconciliation and dialogue while respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On Libyan affairs, Algeria reiterated its support for a peaceful, comprehensive, and inclusive political solution led by Libyans themselves. The country also expressed its unwavering support for the legitimate authorities in Yemen and Sudan, seeking to respond to the people's right to security, stability, unity, and brotherhood.
Key points
- Algeria calls for UN reform to address global shifts and create a more just international system.
- The country supports the African position for fair representation in the UN Security Council.
- Algeria advocates for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination in Western Sahara.
