Morocco's Ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Hilal, has expressed his gratitude to Algeria's ambassador for intervening in a recent UN Security Council meeting, stating that it revealed Algeria's true role as a party to the Western Sahara conflict. Hilal emphasized that Morocco is the only country in the world that has ceded its sovereignty and authority to a separatist armed group, Polisario, in the Tindouf camps.
Hilal questioned Algeria's credibility in lecturing the UN Security Council on international law, citing the country's own actions in the Tindouf camps. He argued that Algeria's intervention was an indictment of the Security Council and the state holding the pen, rather than a defense of their position. Hilal also pointed out that Algeria's actions in the camps, such as preventing the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from registering the population, contradict their claims of supporting the refugees.
The Moroccan ambassador highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the Tindouf camps, where refugees are denied basic rights, including freedom of movement and access to education and healthcare. He accused Algeria of using the camps as a tool for Polisario's military activities, including recruiting children for military training. Hilal emphasized that Morocco has consistently called for a peaceful solution to the conflict, including the return of refugees to their homes with international guarantees.
Hilal criticized Algeria's stance on the autonomy plan for Western Sahara, stating that they reject it without offering an alternative solution. He argued that Algeria's position is not in the interest of the Sahrawi people, who are denied the right to return to their homes or move freely. Hilal also pointed out that the international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the camps, citing statistics from the UN.
The Moroccan ambassador drew a comparison between the Western Sahara conflict and the Palestinian issue, highlighting that Morocco allows pro-Palestinian demonstrations, while Algeria bans them. He accused Algeria of hypocrisy, stating that they lecture others on human rights while denying their own citizens basic freedoms.
Hilal emphasized that Morocco is committed to finding a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara conflict, based on the autonomy plan. He expressed disappointment that Algeria's intervention in the UN Security Council meeting did not contribute to a constructive solution. Hilal concluded that Morocco will continue to work with the international community to find a solution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Morocco.
The UN Security Council has been discussing the Western Sahara conflict, with some members expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps. The Council has been unable to reach a consensus on a resolution, with Algeria and Russia reportedly opposing a draft resolution supported by the United States and other members.
Key points
- Morocco's Ambassador Omar Hilal criticizes Algeria's stance on Western Sahara at the UN Security Council
- Hilal accuses Algeria of using the Tindouf camps as a tool for Polisario's military activities
- The Western Sahara conflict remains unresolved, with the international community struggling to find a peaceful solution
