Brussels – The debate at the United Nations General Assembly, which met yesterday (10 November) following Russia’s veto of the US resolution on the renewal of MINURSO, highlighted broad international consensus on the plan for the autonomy of the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. The resolution, supported by eleven members of the Security Council, aimed at relaunching the political process based on Rabat’s 2007 proposal.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz described the Moroccan plan as the only realistic path towards a lasting peace, ruling out the feasibility of a referendum. The European Union raised the prospect of genuine autonomy, while France reiterated that the future of Western Sahara lies within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and several African states expressed similar positions. The Nordic countries expressed regret at the Russian veto, highlighting the potential consequences for regional stability. Russia defended its vote, while Algeria, South Africa, Namibia and East Timor maintained their support for a referendum on independence. During the session, Morocco’s commitment to respecting the ceasefire and to cooperating with the United Nations in the period following the expiry of MINURSO’s mandate was also acknowledged. The debate confirmed the central role of the Moroccan proposal in the negotiations for a definitive political solution to the dispute.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
