He criticizes countries that support the autonomy plan for “undermining peace agreements” and “circumventing international legality”
MADRID, 19 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Polisario Front has attacked countries that have recently given their support to the autonomy plan presented by Morocco and has directly targeted France, which it accuses of “explicitly supporting” the Moroccan “occupation” of the Western Sahara territory.
Therefore, in a statement published after a meeting of the Permanent Office of the National Secretariat, the organization condemned “the tendency of some powers, including permanent members of the (UN) Security Council, to undermine peace agreements and to circumvent the law relating to the conflict in Western Sahara.”
The Polisario Front expressed its rejection of “attempts to undermine peace efforts to resolve the conflict through the recent positions expressed by some countries” and criticized France for “explicitly supporting the policies of occupation, annexation and absorption applied by the regime Moroccan”, according to the Saharawi news agency SPS.
In this sense he reiterated that a “just” and “definitive” solution to the conflict “cannot be imagined outside a realistic and credible legal framework”, including the holding of a “free and fair” referendum in which “the Sahrawis the people decide their fate and the final status of their land, Western Sahara.
For this reason he applauded the position of the “friendly and brotherly countries” that support the right to self-determination of the Sahrawis, among which he highlighted Algeria, and showed the Polisario Front’s willingness to “contribute positively” and “cooperate.” to achieve “a just and lasting peace” and “create a climate of coexistence and integration between their countries and their peoples”.
The statement was published almost two weeks after King Mohamed VI of Morocco declared the referendum to be “inapplicable” and called for the United Nations to “assume its responsibilities” on this issue, as part of the defense by Rabat of his proposed autonomy plan for the territory.
“There is growing international recognition in favor of the Moroccan identity of the (Western) Sahara, in addition to broad support for the autonomy initiative,” he said, while maintaining that “in parallel with this situation of legality, there exists, unfortunately, , another world separated from the truth that still lives in the illusions of the past”, in reference to the Polisario Front.
The former Spanish colony of Western Sahara was occupied by Morocco in 1975 despite resistance from the Polisario Front, with which it remained at war until 1991, when both sides signed a ceasefire ahead of a self-determination referendum. Differences over the preparation of the census and whether or not to include Moroccan settlers have so far prevented it from being held.
The last obstacle for the Sahrawi people was the support of the Spanish and French governments for Morocco’s autonomy plan, a change of position described as a betrayal by the Polisario Front, which also recalls that Spain is still “de jure” the administrative power of Western Sahara.
How do international relations and foreign support influence the dynamics of the Western Sahara situation?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Al-Mansouri, an Expert on Western Sahara Conflicts
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Al-Mansouri. Thank you for joining us to talk about the ongoing tensions surrounding Western Sahara. There have been recent statements from the Polisario Front condemning countries that support Morocco’s autonomy plan, particularly targeting France. Can you give us some context on this situation?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The situation in Western Sahara is indeed complex and has been a point of contention for decades. The Polisario Front represents the Sahrawi people’s aspirations for self-determination and independence from Moroccan control. Recently, as you mentioned, they have criticized various nations, especially France, for what they perceive as support for Morocco’s occupation and for undermining established peace agreements.
Time.news Editor: What are the specific criticisms leveled by the Polisario Front towards these countries, particularly France?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: The Polisario Front is particularly aggrieved by France’s explicit support of Morocco’s autonomy plan, which they see not just as a strategy for governance, but as a form of annexation and occupation of their territory. They argue that such support from permanent members of the UN Security Council compromises international legal frameworks meant to ensure peace and self-determination in conflicts like this one.
Time.news Editor: That raises a significant point about international law and peace agreements. How does the reference to a “realistic and credible legal framework” fit into this issue?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: The term signifies the Polisario Front’s call for a legally sanctioned resolution to the conflict. They advocate for a “free and fair” referendum wherein the Sahrawi people can determine their fate free from external influence. This reflects a broader international legal norm that emphasizes self-determination, particularly for people under foreign occupation.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the right to self-determination is pivotal. How do you see the role of Algeria and other nations that support the Polisario Front’s stance?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Algeria has historically been a strong supporter of the Polisario Front and Sahrawi self-determination. Their position in contrast to countries that back Morocco fosters a dynamic shift in regional alliances. Algeria and similar nations are seen as “friendly and brotherly” by the Polisario, and they emphasize their commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution based on international law.
Time.news Editor: Given the existing tensions, what are the prospects for a resolution to the conflict? Is there hope for a definitive solution?
Dr. Al-Mansouri: There is cautious optimism, but the path to resolution is fraught with challenges. The Polisario Front emphasizes dialog and cooperation for a just and lasting peace, yet significant geopolitical interests complicate matters. The willingness of countries to prioritize international law over strategic alliances with Morocco will be critical in determining the future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansouri, for providing such insightful analysis. It’s crucial to keep discussing these developments to understand the intricate dynamics of the Western Sahara conflict.
Dr. Al-Mansouri: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the dialog going, and I hope for a peaceful resolution that honors the rights of the Sahrawi people.