Morocco has received significant backing from various countries at the United Nations' 4th Committee, ahead of the Security Council's annual meetings on the Sahara dispute. The country's autonomy initiative has been endorsed by several nations, including those from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC's representative, Bahrain, expressed support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and its autonomy plan.
The 4th Committee, where the Polisario separatist group has lost significant ground in recent years, heard from various countries that have reaffirmed their support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Ecuador, a Latin American country, described the plan as the only "serious, credible, and realistic" proposal for a lasting resolution to the dispute. Ecuador's representative encouraged parties to engage in good-faith negotiations without preconditions.
Chile, another Latin American country, has reiterated its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and its autonomy plan. Chile's representative stated that the 2007 autonomy proposal is a "just, lasting, and mutually accepted" solution, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This endorsement is significant, given Chile's respected position in the region.
El Salvador has also renewed its support for Morocco's efforts to find a "realistic, political, pragmatic, and lasting" solution to the regional dispute. The country's representative emphasized that Morocco's autonomy initiative is a fundamental element in resolving the dispute and praised the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy.
The Security Council is set to examine the Sahara issue in October, with three meetings scheduled. The council will hear from Alexander Ivanko, head of the UN's MINURSO mission, and Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy. The meetings will also address the renewal of MINURSO's mandate, which expires on October 31.
A majority of Security Council members, including the United States, France, and several other countries, clearly support Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara. The UK, Denmark, Greece, and Somalia have expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan. Meanwhile, China and Russia, both permanent members with veto power, have adopted a neutral stance.
The upcoming Security Council meetings will be crucial in determining the future of the Sahara dispute. Morocco's autonomy plan has gained significant traction, with various countries endorsing it as a viable solution. The international community is closely watching the developments, as a lasting resolution to the dispute remains a priority.
Key points
- Morocco's autonomy plan for Sahara gains support from Gulf states and Latin American countries at UN's 4th Committee.
- Security Council members, including the US and France, support Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara.
- The UN Security Council is set to examine the Sahara issue in October, with a focus on renewing MINURSO's mandate and finding a lasting solution.
