Morocco's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, addressed the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that Western Sahara will remain under Moroccan sovereignty forever. He made this statement in response to a recent veto by a UN Security Council member, which blocked a resolution aimed at resolving the regional dispute over Western Sahara based on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Hilale stressed that the veto was not the cause of the stalemate but rather a consequence of the impasse.
Hilale posed a series of questions to the Assembly, aiming to shed light on Algeria's role in perpetuating the 35-year-old political stalemate and the humanitarian crisis affecting 30,000 refugees in Tindouf camps. He asked why Algeria fears the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, which has been discussed in detail with all parties involved. The plan, according to Hilale, is the only viable solution to the conflict, and its rejection by Algeria is the main obstacle to a peaceful resolution.
The Moroccan ambassador questioned Algeria's refusal to assume its role as a stakeholder in the conflict, highlighting that this stance only serves to prolong the stalemate. He argued that Algeria's actions, including its support for the Polisario Front, are the primary reasons for the ongoing crisis. Hilale also pointed out that Algeria's opposition to the autonomy plan is rooted in its fear of losing control over the region.
Hilale further explained that Algeria's insistence on the "R" in the MINURSO mandate, which refers to a referendum, is merely a pretext for maintaining the status quo. He noted that the idea of a referendum has been discredited since 2000, and its inclusion in the mandate is no longer supported by the international community. Instead, Hilale argued that the focus should be on finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
The ambassador also criticized Algeria for its refusal to allow the registration of populations in the Tindouf camps, which he claimed was a deliberate attempt to conceal the true number of refugees and the misappropriation of humanitarian aid. He emphasized that the lack of transparency and accountability in the camps is a major concern that needs to be addressed.
Hilale highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Tindouf, where four generations have been born and lived in refugee camps. He described the situation as a protracted crisis that has become a diplomatic bargaining chip for Algeria. The Moroccan ambassador stressed that a lasting solution to the conflict would require the international community to take a firm stance against Algeria's obstructionist policies.
In conclusion, Hilale reiterated that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the only viable solution to the Western Sahara conflict. He emphasized that Morocco is committed to finding a peaceful resolution, while Algeria's continued refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations is the main obstacle to achieving a lasting solution. The international community, Hilale said, must take note of Algeria's responsibility in perpetuating the crisis and work towards a resolution that respects Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Key points
- Morocco's ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, reaffirms Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara at the UN General Assembly.
