Morocco rejects UN proposal on Western Sahara
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has described proposals by the United Nations envoy to partition the disputed territory of Western Sahara as “unacceptable” in an attempt to end the nearly 50-year conflict at a press conference in Rabat on October 22nd according to the Associated French Press.
The proposition put forward by UN envoy to Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, proposes dividing the territory between Morocco and the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front. The UN plan would see an independent Western Sahara in the southern part of the territory with the northern section becoming integrated into Morocco, however partition has been wholly rejected by both sides.
READ: UN envoy backs partition solution.
Rabat’s proposition for the territory involves limited autonomy for Western Sahara whilst remaining under Moroccan control. Meanwhile, the Polisario Front is calling for a referendum on self-determination which had been planned when a ceasefire was signed in 1991 but has yet never happened.
“Morocco has not and will not accept hearing the proposal, because it contradicts the kingdom and Moroccans’ principled position that the Sahara is Moroccan,” said Bourita.
“This is a regional dispute with a neighbouring country that objects to Morocco’s sovereignty over its land,” he said.
READ: Defence budget boost amid regional tensions.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna joined Bourita at a press conference to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Tsahkna offered unwavering support for the Moroccan plan for the territory, describing it as “a good, serious, and credible basis for a solution to the Saharawi dispute.”
Associated French Press
