UN/Sahara: Guatemala renews its support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and the autonomy initiative
United Nations (New York) – Guatemala reaffirmed, Monday in New York, its support for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Morocco, as well as for the autonomy initiative as a definitive solution to the regional dispute around the Moroccan Sahara.
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Speaking before the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly, the deputy permanent representative of Guatemala to the UN, María José Castillo, stressed that her country “considers that the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 constitutes a realistic, credible and serious basis for reaching a negotiated solution between the parties, while respecting the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Morocco.
She also reiterated Guatemala’s support for the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting political solution to this regional conflict.
Welcoming the efforts of the UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara in favor of a realistic, pragmatic, lasting political solution based on compromise, the Guatemalan diplomat considered “important” the resumption of the process of round tables in the same format and with the same four participants, namely Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the “Polisario”.
She further indicated that the resolution of this artificial conflict is necessary for the stability, security and integration of the Maghreb region.
How could shifting alliances impact the resolution of the Sahara dispute?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on International Relations
Editor: Good morning, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura Ramirez, an esteemed expert in international relations and North African geopolitics. Dr. Ramirez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Guatemala reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and its autonomy initiative regarding the Sahara region. What does this diplomatic gesture signify on a broader scale?
Dr. Ramirez: This is a significant move, especially considering that support from countries in the Global South can influence international debates. It highlights how nations are beginning to align with Morocco’s stance on the issue, which could affect the resolution processes surrounding the Sahara conflict. Guatemala’s backing shows solidarity, and it can encourage other countries, particularly those with similar geopolitical interests, to follow suit.
Editor: Interesting. What do you think are the main motivations behind Guatemala’s renewed support for Morocco?
Dr. Ramirez: Several factors could be at play here. Firstly, Guatemala may be trying to strengthen diplomatic ties with Morocco, which can open doors for economic cooperation. Additionally, given the presence of various international organizations and countries involved in the Sahara issue, aligning with Morocco reinforces Guatemala’s position in multilateral conversations. Lastly, a commitment to support the autonomy initiative may resonate with Guatemala’s own governance issues, as they deal with local autonomy in various regions.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. The Sahara dispute has been ongoing for decades. How might this renewal of support affect the dynamics of the conflict?
Dr. Ramirez: Guatemala’s support for the autonomy initiative could lend legitimacy to Morocco’s proposal. If more nations recognize this pathway as a viable resolution, it may pressure the Polisario Front—who advocates for independence—to consider negotiations seriously. However, it’s essential to approach this cautiously, as different nations have different stakes in this region, and not everyone agrees on what a resolution should look like.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of multilateral discussions. How critical is international backing in resolving long-standing conflicts like the one in the Sahara?
Dr. Ramirez: International backing is crucial. Conflicts can be entrenched, and bipartisan support can facilitate dialog. In the case of the Sahara, broad international recognition of Morocco’s autonomy initiative could provide a framework for negotiations. Additionally, countries like Guatemala can act as mediators or communicators, amplifying diplomatic efforts and potentially leading to innovative solutions.
Editor: With the changing geopolitical landscape, do you foresee any shifts in other countries’ positions on the Sahara dispute?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. As alliances shift and new diplomatic relationships are formed, we may see other Latin American countries or even African nations re-evaluating their positions. With emerging powers focusing on Africa, the Sahara dispute may garner more attention, leading to a diverse array of responses based on economic interests, security concerns, or even historical ties.
Editor: It’s clear that the situation in the Sahara is complex and ever-evolving. As we wrap up, what can we expect in the short term regarding this issue?
Dr. Ramirez: In the short term, I would expect more diplomatic visits and dialogues between Morocco and supportive nations. This could also lead to potential negotiations if there’s a perceived commitment to the autonomy initiative. However, we must remember that these discussions take time, and both parties will need to show a willingness to compromise to reach any definitive solutions.
Editor: Dr. Ramirez, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been incredibly enlightening.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this situation develops in the coming months.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important discussion on the Sahara conflict. We’ll keep you updated on any developments in future broadcasts.