The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that Algeria is a direct party to the manufactured conflict over Moroccan Sahara. According to Maria Zakharova, the ministry's spokesperson, Russia maintains close communication with both Algerian and Moroccan partners on this issue. This reaffirms Algeria's full responsibility in the conflict, despite its claims to the contrary. The statement comes as the UN's MINURSO mission recently ended its term.
The Russian position on the conflict was made public following the recent developments in the UN Security Council. Russia vetoed a US-backed resolution to extend the MINURSO mission, which had received support from 11 council members. In response, Russia proposed an alternative resolution, but it only garnered support from three members. The MINURSO mission officially ceased operations on November 1, with a liquidation phase beginning under the supervision of a small team.
The Moroccan Royal Court has issued a statement regarding the expiration of the MINURSO mission. According to the statement, the non-renewal of the mission's mandate signifies a significant development in the resolution of the Moroccan Sahara issue within the UN. This implies that the mission's presence in the southern regions of Morocco should conclude in the coming days.
The Moroccan government has expressed its appreciation for the international support it has received on the Sahara issue. The UK has reiterated its backing for Morocco's autonomy initiative, which is seen as a viable solution to the conflict. This development reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
The Russian statement has been welcomed by Morocco, which sees it as a validation of its sovereignty over the Sahara region. The Moroccan government has consistently maintained that the Sahara issue is a domestic matter and that it will not engage in negotiations over the region's status.
Algeria, on the other hand, has been accused of fueling the conflict over Moroccan Sahara. The Algerian government has long supported the Polisario Front, a separatist group that claims sovereignty over the Sahara region. However, Russia's recent statement has exposed Algeria's direct involvement in the conflict.
The future of the Moroccan Sahara region remains uncertain, with various parties continuing to stake their claims. Morocco's autonomy initiative has gained significant international support, but Algeria and the Polisario Front continue to advocate for a different solution. The situation remains complex, with multiple stakeholders vying for influence.
Key points
- Russia confirms Algeria's direct involvement in the manufactured conflict over Moroccan Sahara
- The UN's MINURSO mission has ceased operations following the non-renewal of its mandate
- Morocco's autonomy initiative has gained significant international support as a solution to the conflict
