Security Council : Sahara's draft resolution meets some of Morocco’s demands

Yabiladi has managed to obtain a copy of the five-page draft resolution on Western Sahara. The latter is the final version that will be voted by the Security Council in the upcoming days. In general, the document is positively backing Morocco, thanks to pressure put by France.

While the draft does not refer to the Polisario’s recent incursions into Bir Lahlou and Mehbess, it expresses «worries raised regarding the presence of the Front in the Guerguerate buffer zone», calling members of the separatist movement for an immediate withdrawal, wrote the authors of the resolution in paragraph 2 dedicated to recommendations.

Authors of the draft resolution have raised «concerns» regarding the Polisario’s announcement, insisting that it is planning to relocate its headquarters in Tindouf, Algeria to Bir Lahlou.

Urging «neighboring states» to collaborate

The draft resolution highlights the Security Council members’ concerns over «violation of agreements» (the cease-fire reached on September 26th, 1991), «urging the parties to meet their obligations» and stop taking actions that could destabilize the situation and threaten the UN process. It also recognizes Morocco’s measured responses in this regard».

The same document advised «neighboring states» to strengthen their «commitments to the negotiation process so that they accomplish their special and primordial efforts in supporting the political process», referring to Algeria, and Mauritania.

This recommendation responds to a Moroccan request, submitted to assure the effective involvement of Algeria in the settlement of the territorial dispute.

The draft resolution recommends the extension of MINURSO's mandate for another year.