Sahara : Algeria clings to its «observer» status

Algeria's Foreign Minister met with the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara in New York on Tuesday, October 1. Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed to Staffan de Mistura that Algeria, «in its capacity as an observer of the decolonization process in Western Sahara», insists on a solution that guarantees «the Saharawi people's right to self-determination», according to a press release from Algerian Foreign Ministry.

Attaf also reiterated Algeria's rejection of Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara, stating, «The plan promoted by Morocco cannot be a solution, as it contradicts the Saharawi people's right to self-determination». He concluded by calling for «direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front».

Staffan de Mistura also met with representatives from Morocco, the Polisario, and Mauritania in New York.