The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) strongly denounced a speech delivered by Moroccan Foreign Minister to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The SADR accused the minister of spreading "lies and falsehoods" and attempting to distort the reality of the Western Sahara question. In a statement released from Bir Lahlou, the Sahrawi government claimed the speech was part of a habitual practice by the Moroccan regime to divert attention from its internal crisis.
The Sahrawi government specifically contested the Moroccan minister's interpretation of UN Security Council Resolution 2797. They argued that the resolution did not recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and did not establish the Moroccan proposal as the sole basis for a settlement. The SADR emphasized that the Security Council reaffirmed the need for a settlement in line with the UN Charter, acceptable to both parties, and guaranteeing the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.
The Sahrawi government also recalled the breakdown of the ceasefire on November 13, 2020, which they attributed to Moroccan authorities. This was based on reports from the UN Secretary-General. The SADR criticized the Moroccan minister for not addressing the ongoing occupation of Western Sahara, which has been on the UN General Assembly's agenda since 1963 as a decolonization issue.
The Sahrawi government accused the Moroccan minister of ignoring practices by Moroccan authorities that threaten regional and international security and stability. These include involvement in drug trafficking, supporting and financing trans-border terrorist groups and organized crime networks. The SADR also denounced Morocco's international alliances, which they believe contribute to regional tensions.
The Sahrawi government highlighted the socio-economic conditions in territories controlled by Moroccan authorities, citing poverty, deprivation, and human rights abuses. They expressed opposition to Morocco's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029. According to the SADR, Morocco lacks the legitimacy to sit on the council due to its occupation and expansion policies.
The Sahrawi government reaffirmed the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence as a "constant and inalienable" right. They asserted that the SADR is an irreversible national, regional, and international reality. The statement concluded that the Sahrawi people will continue their struggle for freedom, independence, and the restoration of their sovereignty over the claimed territory.
The SADR's stance on the Western Sahara question remains firm, with a focus on international law and UN resolutions. The Sahrawi government called for a settlement that respects the rights of the Sahrawi people. The issue remains a point of contention between Morocco and the SADR, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
Key points
- The Sahrawi Republic denounced the Moroccan Foreign Minister's speech at the UN as 'lies and falsehoods'.
- The SADR contested Morocco's interpretation of UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
- The Sahrawi government reaffirmed the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence.
