UN needs more time to appoint Western Sahara envoy
2008-10-08
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon needs more time to decide on the new special representative to Western Sahara, MAP reported on Tuesday (October 7th). "I have started the consultations with the parties concerned for a particular person whom I have an intention to appoint. It may take a little bit more time for me to consult with the parties concerned," he was quoted as saying at a press briefing. He also voiced his determination to speed up the process of negotiations "as soon as the special envoy is appointed".
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Med Posted 2008-10-11
Morocco has not yet come to terms with the gap Mr van Walsum left behind. No other mediator will be able to support Morocco’s proposal like the former did. It is therefore evident that the Secretary-General has found great difficulty in appointing the next special envoy for the Sahara. The Polisario welcomed the appointment of Mr Christopher Ross. As for Morocco, we still do not know its official reaction. It could be that it will try to impose its solution as the basis for the upcoming round of discussions, something that will be impossible to accept in light of the developments of the current situation for the USA and Europe alike. In effect, the problem with Georgia characterises their mentality: there will be no more bypassing international law. Moreover, even the independence of Kosovo is now back on the table. The UN just called upon the International Court of Justice with regards to this affair. We are convinced that self-determination will be granted to the Sahrawi people and that they alone will decide upon their future— they may re-integrate with Morocco if they want or they may establish an independent state if they so desire.
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