In response to a question on Morocco’s reading of the statement of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, in his latest briefing to the Security Council, to reassess the role of the United nations on the issue of Sahara in the absence of progress in the next six months, Mr.Hilale responded, during a press briefing, that “the reassessment of the role of the UN on the question of the Sahara does not concern him and does not concern of his mandate. It falls within the mandate of the Secretary-General and the members of the Security Council.”
The ambassador made it clear,during his meeting with the press following the adoption of the new Security Council resolution on the Moroccan sahara,that “the mandate of the Personal Envoy for the Sahara is the facilitation of the solution between the parties”,insisting that to achieve significant progress,the Personal Envoy must implement his facilitation mandate “in accordance with his letter of appointment by the Secretary-General as well as Security Council resolutions”.
Mr. Hilale referred to the “UN guide to facilitating negotiations”, which contains “clear data on the role of facilitators, the first principle of which is to strive to implement its mandate and second is to demonstrate authority”.
“We encourage the Personal Envoy to use his authority effectively,rather than complying with Algeria’s refusal,” insisted the moroccan ambassador,adding that the former personal envoys,Christopher Ross and Horst Köhler,never sought the opinion of Algeria and the other parties,neither on the dates nor on the locations of the negotiations,to convene respectively,the Manhasset consultations and the Geneva round tables. “We expect Mr. de Mistura to act likewise, and to show authority,” he said.
Regarding the assessment of the situation, Ambassador Hilale clarified that “Morocco does not seek to assess the role of the UN”, insisting that “the success of progress next April will be measured by the holding or not of round tables in Geneva”.
In this regard, Mr. Hilale referred to Switzerland’s recent declaration, expressing its willingness to host the third series of round tables. “We have the place. What is missing now is the authority of the Personal Envoy and the implementation of his mandate,” he concluded.
How can the international community contribute to the resolution of the Moroccan Sahara conflict?
Q&A with Ambassador hilale: Insights on the United Nations’ Role in the Moroccan Sahara
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Mr. Hilale, the Moroccan ambassador, to discuss the recent briefing by Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Moroccan Sahara. Mr. Hilale, thank you for joining us.
Ambassador Hilale: Thank you for having me.
Time.news Editor: In your recent press briefing, you mentioned that the reassessment of the UN’s role concerning the Sahara doesn’t fall within your mandate. Can you elaborate on this perspective?
Ambassador Hilale: Certainly. The reassessment of the UN’s role regarding the Sahara is a matter for the Secretary-General and the members of the Security Council. My focus is on the facilitation of dialog and negotiation among the parties involved, as mandated by the UN. The success of our negotiations hinges on the effective implementation of this mandate.
Time.news Editor: You highlighted the importance of the Personal Envoy’s authority in facilitating progress. Could you clarify why you believe authority is essential in this context?
ambassador Hilale: The UN guide to facilitating negotiations outlines that facilitators should first and foremost implement their mandate. Demonstrating authority is crucial for successful negotiations. Previous Personal Envoys, such as Christopher Ross and Horst Köhler, conducted discussions independently of Algeria’s influence. We encourage Mr.de Mistura to adopt a similar approach,enabling effective dialogue without needless external pressures.
Time.news Editor: you also emphasized the meaning of holding round tables in Geneva. Why are these meetings pivotal for the future of the Sahara?
Ambassador Hilale: The round tables in Geneva are essential because they provide a structured platform for negotiation among the involved parties.Morocco believes that if these meetings are not held,we will not achieve the notable progress we seek. The next steps in this process hinge on Switzerland’s willingness to host these discussions and on the Personal Envoy exercising his authority.
Time.news Editor: What are the implications if these round tables do not take place as planned?
Ambassador Hilale: if we do not convene the round tables, it will indicate a stagnation in the negotiation process and a failure to address the underlying issues. Our ability to measure success will be thwarted, and that could undermine the UN’s credibility in this matter. We remain hopeful that with proper authority and commitment from the Personal Envoy, progress can still be made.
Time.news Editor: As a final thought, what practical advice would you give to those who wish to understand the evolving dynamics of the Moroccan Sahara situation?
Ambassador Hilale: I encourage observers to stay informed about the developments, especially regarding the actions and statements from the UN and the involved parties. Engaging with credible news sources and participating in discussions about the UN’s role will provide a deeper understanding of the situation. It’s crucial to comprehend the complexities of international diplomacy involved in the Sahara conflict as it evolves.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Hilale, for sharing your insights on such an crucial issue. Your perspective helps shed light on the ongoing negotiations and the role of the UN in the Moroccan Sahara.
Ambassador Hilale: Thank you for the chance.I hope for a peaceful resolution and progress in our discussions.
This interview provides a thorough look into Morocco’s negotiation stance regarding the Sahara and highlights the essential role of the UN in facilitating dialogue, crucial for future peace efforts.