EU non-recognition of Polisario confirmed at Brussels meeting
The European Union reaffirmed their long-established stance of non-recognition of the self-named Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic at a meeting held with the African Union on May 20th in Brussels, according to Morocco-government friendly outlet Hespress.
Observers described it to be a strong diplomatic condemnation of the Polisario Front.
Representatives of the Polisario, based in Algerian territory, showed up to the meeting as part of the African union delegation, despite not being officially invited to attend by the EU. A Moroccan official commented to Hespress that there was “significant discomfort” experienced by EU officials because of their presence.
“The EU did not send any formal invitation to the separatist entity, which it does not recognize,” the official stated. “Despite this, the representatives appeared alongside the Algerian Foreign Minister, the only official who agreed to engage with them in Brussels.”
The official emphasised that the EU officials did not engage in any contact with the Polisario delegation throughout the course of the ministerial meeting. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, even stood up and left the room during the Polisario speech, in a cutting diplomatic move.
The Polisario delegation was identified on their table by a temporary label marked with the letters ‘SADR’ on plain paper, whilst other countries bore an official nameplate with their full names.
This incident is reflective of the EU’s long-standing position in supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. Josep Borrell’s office even emphasised last week that “neither the European Union nor any of its member states recognize the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.”
Analysts have considered the issue to be further confirmation of Morocco’s trajectory in claiming autonomy over the region; a decision that has seen increased support by European nations. They say the Polisario’s significance in the international arena is slowly deteriorating.
HESPRESS
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