UN Security Council extends Western Sahara mandate
2009-05-01
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday (April 30th) to extend for one year its Western Sahara mandate. The UNSC also reiterated its support for informal dialogue ahead of a new round of negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario, who have met four times to try to come to an agreement on the disputed territory. The resolution urges both sides "to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations" to achieve a "lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara".
This content was commissioned for Magharebia.com.
Loading
Email to a friend
Print version
LAMIRI Mustapha Posted 2009-05-01
In spite of negotiation between Morocco and the Polisario, both of which have already met together four times to try to come to an agreement on the territorial dispute, no political solution has come about to this day. Each party refuses to make the slightest concession. No one wants to drop the ball, even though concessions are necessary. Sometimes it seems that there is no need to hope for a “miracle” agreement, but, frankly, there are not 36 ways to reach a definitive resolution to this conflict; there is only one: autonomy. Further discussions without any concessions are a waste of time. The ball is now in Polis-Algeria’s court.
Med Posted 2009-05-02
We must recognise that Morocco has just scored some points in this conflict: not only were the provisions of Resolution 1813 taken back up, but, more importantly, the extension of the UN’s human rights mission never took place. As for the Polisario, it is still not making any progress: it no longer occupies the free part of the Western Sahara, the Sahrawi population is moreover divided between independence and reintegrating into the Kingdom, and the entirety of the Moroccan population supports the occupation of these territories. I am sure that if Morocco allowed the organisation of a free referendum for the Western Sahara, the option for the independence of these territories would win no more than 30%.
AHMED GUELMIMI Posted 2009-06-28
LET MORROCO CREATE AUTONOMOUS REGIONS LIKE ITS SPANISH NEIGHBOUR...THEN WE WILL SEE HOW FAR THE TOTALITARIAN MORROCON POLITICAL SYSTEM WILL BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH DIVERSIFICATION...THEN,SAHRAOUI PEOPLE(INCLUDING POLISARIO REHENS)WILL BE CONVINCED THAT MORROCO WILL NOT BE AN OTHER JAIL...LIKE LA HAMADA OR EVEN WORSE...WITH HIS 40 FAMILIES...AND GENERALS...AND DST AND JET,AND RIGGED ELECTIONS...
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy