Morocco: UN Security Council Developments Regarding MINURSO Reflect Important Shifts in the Moroccan Sahara Issue

Rabat, October 30 (KUNA) -- The Moroccan Royal Court confirmed on Friday that recent developments concerning the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) reflect significant shifts in the trajectory of the Moroccan Sahara issue, amid growing international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty as the basis for reaching a political settlement to this regional dispute.

The Royal Court clarified in a statement that these developments come within the context of the international dynamic launched by King Mohammed VI, aimed at bolstering support for the Autonomy Initiative to help create conditions for a realistic and sustainable political solution. It added that Morocco continues to adhere to the Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty as the framework for a political solution, while emphasizing respect for the ceasefire and safeguarding the Kingdom’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.

The statement pointed out that the international dynamic led by King Mohammed VI will continue at both the bilateral and regional levels, highlighting that an increasing number of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council and influential international powers, support the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative.

Earlier today, the UN Security Council discussed a US-drafted resolution on Western Sahara, which called for extending MINURSO’s mandate for an additional year until October 31, 2027, while amending the mission’s name and nature of its tasks, alongside adopting the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty as the basis for negotiations. The draft received support from 11 members, one opposing vote, and three abstentions; however, Russia’s use of its veto power prevented its adoption.

Following this, the Russian side proposed another draft resolution calling for a technical extension of the mission’s mandate for an additional year without changing its name or current tasks. However, it failed to secure the nine votes required for adoption within the Security Council. (End) M.R.Y. / M.A.H.A.