Sahara : Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson dodges a question on appointing a new personal envoy

The Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres dodged, Monday, a question on appointing a new personal envoy to Western Sahara during the UN’s daily briefing.

«What bars the Secretary‑General from appointing a new Personal Envoy to Western Sahara since this issue has been lagging for more than six months?» a reporter asked Stephane Dujarric.

«There's no reason that bars him», Dujarric answered. «The search is ongoing, and when we have someone to announce, we will do so», he added, without giving further details.

For the record, the former Secretary-General’s personal envoy Horst Kohler resigned six months ago, citing health reasons.

The Polisario Front protested against the «delay» in appointing a new personal envoy in a letter sent in December to Guterres.