SAHARA OCCIDENTAL/NON ALIGNES
Le Mouvement des pays non-alignés réaffirme ses positions antérieures sur la question du Sahara occidental
La Havane, 01/05/2009 (SPS) Les ministres participants à la réunion du Bureau de coordination du Mouvement des pays non-alignés, tenue à la Havane (Cuba), ont réaffirmé leurs positions antérieures sur la question du Sahara occidental, a-t-on appris auprès du Bureau de coordination du Mouvement.
Ils ont aussi réaffirmé toutes les résolutions adoptées par l'Assemblée générale et le Conseil de sécurité sur le Sahara occidental, indique le texte adopté jeudi soir, à l'issue de la réunion.
Les participants ont réaffirmé la résolution 62/116 adoptée sans avoir été mise aux voix par l'Assemblée générale, appuyant "énergiquement" les efforts déployés par le Secrétaire général et son envoyé personnel afin de "parvenir à un règlement politique qui soit mutuellement acceptable et assure l'autodétermination du peuple sahraoui dans le cadre d'accords conformes aux buts et principes de la Charte des Nations unies et aux autres résolutions pertinentes".
Ils ont reconnu que "toutes les options possibles pour l'autodétermination étaient valables dans la mesure où elles étaient conformes aux volontés librement exprimées de la population intéressée et aux principes clairement définis dans les résolutions de l'Assemblée générale".
Les ministres se sont "félicités" en outre des quatre cycles de négociations tenus sous les auspices du Secrétaire général et de l'engagement des parties à continuer à faire preuve de volonté politique et à travailler dans un climat "propice" au dialogue, afin d'entrer dans une phase de négociation "plus intensive" et d'assurer ainsi la mise en œuvre des résolutions 1754, 1783, et 1813 du Conseil de sécurité et le succès des négociations.
Ils ont demandé à toutes les parties et aux Etats de la région de coopérer "pleinement" avec le Secrétaire général et son envoyé spécial et entre elles, et ont réaffirmé la responsabilité de l'ONU à l'égard du peuple sahraoui. Les ministres ont enfin salué l'engagement des parties à poursuivre le processus de négociations à travers des pourparlers parrainés par l'ONU. (SPS)
020/090/700 011610 MAI 09 SPS
Friday, May 01, 2009
Security Council Resolution 2009
The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) by one year, until 30 April 2010.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1871 (2009), as orally amended, the Council called upon the parties to continue negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Council welcomed the parties’ agreement with the Personal Envoy’s suggestion to hold small, informal talks in preparation for a fifth round of negotiations, recalling its endorsement of the previous report’s recommendation that realism and a spirit of compromise by the parties were essential to achieve progress in negotiations. It called upon the parties to continue to work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations.
After adoption, speakers expressed satisfaction with the unanimity of the vote, which sent a message to the parties that progress in negotiations should be made. In that regard, they expressed support for the Special Envoy’s proposal to hold small, informal talks before a fifth round of negotiations in Manhasset would begin.
Some speakers emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and welcomed in that regard preambular paragraphs 7 and 8, as orally amended. The representative of Costa Rica, however, emphasizing that political will to reach results was the foundation of mediation, which must be based on absolute respect for the United Nations Charter and for human rights, expressed regret that his proposal to ask for a report on the efforts of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Western Sahara had not been reflected in the text. That proposal was based on the Secretary-General’s recommendations in his last two reports.
France’s representative, stressing that was no solution to the situation in Western Sahara other than a negotiated political settlement that was inclusive of the concerns of the parties and benefited the whole of the Maghreb region, said that Morocco’s 2007 proposal deserved serious consideration by the parties.
Statements were also made by representatives of United States, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Austria and Mexico.
The meeting started at 4:47 p.m. and adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 1871 (2009) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara,
“Reaffirming its strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to implement resolutions 1754 (2007), 1783 (2007) and 1813 (2008),
“Reaffirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect,
“Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations and with each other to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,
“Taking note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution; also taking note of the Polisario Front proposal presented 10 April 2007 to the Secretary-General,
“Taking note of the four rounds of negotiations held under the auspices of the Secretary-General, and welcoming the progress made by the parties to enter into direct negotiations,
“Stressing the importance of making progress on the human dimension of the conflict as a means to promote transparency and mutual confidence through constructive dialogue and humanitarian confidence-building measures,
“Welcoming in this context the agreement of the parties expressed in the Communiqué of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara of 18 March 2008 to explore the establishment of family visits by land, which would be in addition to the existing programme by air, and encouraging them to do so in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
“Welcoming the commitment of the parties to continue the process of negotiations through United Nations-sponsored talks,
“Noting the Secretary-General’s view that the consolidation of the status quo is not an acceptable outcome of the current process of negotiations, and noting further that progress in the negotiations will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the people of Western Sahara in all its aspects,
“Welcoming the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Ambassador Christopher Ross, and also welcoming his recent visit to the region and ongoing consultations with the parties,
“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 April 2009 (S/2009/200),
“1. Reaffirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with regard to the ceasefire;
“2. Welcomes the parties’ agreement with the Personal Envoy’s suggestion to hold small, informal talks in preparation for a fifth round of negotiations, and recalls its endorsement of the previous report’s recommendation that realism and a spirit of compromise by the parties are essential to achieve progress in negotiations;
“3. Calls upon the parties to continue to show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations, thus ensuring implementation of resolutions 1754 (2007), 1783 (2007) and 1813 (2008) and the success of negotiations; and affirms its strong support for the commitment of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy towards a solution to the question of Western Sahara in this context;
“4. Calls upon the parties to continue negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, taking into account the efforts made since 2006 and subsequent developments, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect;
“5. Invites Member States to lend appropriate assistance to these talks;
“6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council informed on a regular basis on the status and progress of these negotiations under his auspices and expresses its intention to meet to receive and discuss his report;
“7. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a report on the situation in Western Sahara well before the end of the mandate period;
“8. Urges Member States to provide voluntary contributions to fund confidence-building measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family visits, as well as for other confidence-building measures that may be agreed between parties;
“9. Decides to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 30 April 2010;
“10. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance in MINURSO with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including pre-deployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
“11. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”
Background
The Security Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara (document S/2009/200), which covers developments since his report of 14 April 2008 (document S/2008/251) and in which he recommends a mandate extension for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2010.
According to the report, the situation in the Territory remains calm. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front) marked its thirty-fifth anniversary on 20 May 2008, and on 22 January 2009, it declared an exclusive economic zone for Western Sahara, extending 200 nautical miles from the coast to protect the Territory’s permanent sovereignty over its natural resources. Polisario Front called for the suspension of a 2005 fisheries agreement between Morocco and the on the European Union, whose Commissioner for External Relations met with the leader of the Polisario Front for the first time in December 2008.
The report states that Christopher Ross, the newly appointed Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, met with several high-level representatives of the parties, and with the King of Morocco and the President of Algeria. All his interlocutors confirmed their commitment to cooperation with the United Nations with a view to reaching a solution as soon as possible. However, the Personal Envoy informed the Secretary-General that the positions of the parties have not changed since the fourth round of negotiations, held in Manhasset, New York, from 16 to 18 March 2008, and remain far apart on ways to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution leading to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.
Welcoming the parties’ commitment to continuing the negotiation process, the Secretary-General recommends that the Council reiterate its call upon Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate in good faith, without preconditions, show the political will to enter into substantive discussions and ensure the success of the negotiations.
According to the report, the Secretary-General welcomes the progress made in mine clearing and encourages the parties to continue working with the Mission to establish direct cooperation and communication through a joint military verification commission so as to facilitate their work on mine clearance and other issues of common interest. The continuing exchanges of family visits between the Territory and the refugee camps in the Tindouf area are also welcome, and the parties should continue to work with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and MINURSO to explore the possibility of expanding the confidence-building programme.
Strongly urging the donor community to contribute funds to expand the programme, the Secretary-General concludes by observing that, given the existing circumstances on the ground, and in light of the Personal Envoy’s continuing efforts, the presence of MINURSO remains indispensable for the maintenance of the ceasefire in Western Sahara.
Statements
SUSAN RICE ( United States) said her country fully supported the Secretary-General and his new Personal Envoy in their efforts to find a solution to the question of Western Sahara. The problem had gone on for too long, and as a consequence, poor relations between Morocco and Algeria had prevented cooperation on issues of urgency for North Africa. On the Personal Envoy’s recent trip to the region, all interlocutors had confirmed their commitment to cooperate with the United Nations and concurred with his assessment that informal preparatory talks might help pave the way for formal and more substantive talks. Given the current situation on the ground, the presence of MINURSO remained indispensable.
JEAN-MAURICE RIPERT (France) said there was no solution to the situation in Western Sahara other than a negotiated political settlement that was inclusive of the concerns of the parties and which benefited the whole of the Maghreb region. France would call on the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible in a spirit of realism and compromise, and with the political will finally to reach a just and lasting decision. Morocco’s 2007 proposal deserved serious consideration. France backed the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, as well as the idea of a round of informal talks ahead of formal negotiations.
VITALY CHURKIN ( Russian Federation) said the unanimous adoption of the resolution sent a message to the parties of the need for progress in the negotiations and it could help assist the Personal Envoy’s endeavours to give new life to the peace process. The Russian Federation attached great importance to direct dialogue in the negotiations.
JOHN SAWERS ( United Kingdom) welcomed the unanimous adoption of the resolution as it sent an important message of support for Personal Envoy Ross as he embarked on his new role. The fresh approach provided a real opportunity for the parties to take an equally fresh approach. The United Kingdom strongly urged all the parties to seize the opportunity and undertake talks in the sprit of openness. They should work towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution that would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Regarding the resolution’s reference to the “human dimension” of the situation, the United Kingdom firmly believed that an expansion of humanitarian confidence-building measures would do much to restore trust between the parties.
JORGE URBINA ( Costa Rica) said that, while he had voted in favour of the resolution because it was important to lend unanimous Council support to the plan presented by the Personal Envoy, he was not satisfied with the text. As an active advocate of the peaceful settlements of disputes, Costa Rica was sorry that its delegation’s proposals and concerns were not reflected in the text, in particular a proposal to ask for a report on the efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Western Sahara, as requested in the Secretary-General’s last two reports. Unfortunately, the Council had not endorsed the Secretary-General’s conclusions.
PATRICK MUGOYA ( Uganda) said he had voted in favour of renewing the mandate but remained concerned by a number of issues raised in the Secretary-General’s report regarding the human rights situation in the Western Sahara. One of the key areas of concern for the United Nations was human rights, and Uganda was aware that MINURSO’s mandate contained no human rights mechanisms. Uganda, therefore, welcomed the Secretary-General’s reference to the “human dimension” of the situation in Western Sahara and looked forward to concrete action to address the issue on the ground.
PAUL ROBERT TIENDRÉBÉOGO ( Burkina Faso) said the Council should pursue clear objectives and spare no effort to promote a rapid resumption of the Manhasset process. Those objectives were reflected in the resolution, which was the best possible compromise at the present stage.
THOMAS MAYR-HARTING ( Austria) said he hoped a new approach to the Western Sahara question would lead to progress in the Territory and in the refugee camps. To that end, Austria supported the recommendation on consultations between the parties and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the promotion of confidence-building measures.
Council President CLAUDE HELLER (Mexico), speaking in his national capacity, said he was gratified by the adoption of the resolution, in particular the unanimity of the vote, which reflected support for MINURSO’s work and for the initiatives taken by the new Personal Envoy. Mexico also supported the Personal Envoy’s suggestion that small preparatory meetings be organized before a fifth meeting in Manhasset was convened, and trusted that the parties would attend in good faith and without preconditions. Because the Council could not neglect the topic of human rights in its consideration of the situation, Mexico welcomed preambular paragraph 7 of the resolution, which stressed the importance of progress in that regard.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1871 (2009), as orally amended, the Council called upon the parties to continue negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Council welcomed the parties’ agreement with the Personal Envoy’s suggestion to hold small, informal talks in preparation for a fifth round of negotiations, recalling its endorsement of the previous report’s recommendation that realism and a spirit of compromise by the parties were essential to achieve progress in negotiations. It called upon the parties to continue to work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations.
After adoption, speakers expressed satisfaction with the unanimity of the vote, which sent a message to the parties that progress in negotiations should be made. In that regard, they expressed support for the Special Envoy’s proposal to hold small, informal talks before a fifth round of negotiations in Manhasset would begin.
Some speakers emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and welcomed in that regard preambular paragraphs 7 and 8, as orally amended. The representative of Costa Rica, however, emphasizing that political will to reach results was the foundation of mediation, which must be based on absolute respect for the United Nations Charter and for human rights, expressed regret that his proposal to ask for a report on the efforts of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Western Sahara had not been reflected in the text. That proposal was based on the Secretary-General’s recommendations in his last two reports.
France’s representative, stressing that was no solution to the situation in Western Sahara other than a negotiated political settlement that was inclusive of the concerns of the parties and benefited the whole of the Maghreb region, said that Morocco’s 2007 proposal deserved serious consideration by the parties.
Statements were also made by representatives of United States, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Austria and Mexico.
The meeting started at 4:47 p.m. and adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 1871 (2009) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara,
“Reaffirming its strong support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to implement resolutions 1754 (2007), 1783 (2007) and 1813 (2008),
“Reaffirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect,
“Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations and with each other to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,
“Taking note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution; also taking note of the Polisario Front proposal presented 10 April 2007 to the Secretary-General,
“Taking note of the four rounds of negotiations held under the auspices of the Secretary-General, and welcoming the progress made by the parties to enter into direct negotiations,
“Stressing the importance of making progress on the human dimension of the conflict as a means to promote transparency and mutual confidence through constructive dialogue and humanitarian confidence-building measures,
“Welcoming in this context the agreement of the parties expressed in the Communiqué of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara of 18 March 2008 to explore the establishment of family visits by land, which would be in addition to the existing programme by air, and encouraging them to do so in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,
“Welcoming the commitment of the parties to continue the process of negotiations through United Nations-sponsored talks,
“Noting the Secretary-General’s view that the consolidation of the status quo is not an acceptable outcome of the current process of negotiations, and noting further that progress in the negotiations will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the people of Western Sahara in all its aspects,
“Welcoming the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Ambassador Christopher Ross, and also welcoming his recent visit to the region and ongoing consultations with the parties,
“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 April 2009 (S/2009/200),
“1. Reaffirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with regard to the ceasefire;
“2. Welcomes the parties’ agreement with the Personal Envoy’s suggestion to hold small, informal talks in preparation for a fifth round of negotiations, and recalls its endorsement of the previous report’s recommendation that realism and a spirit of compromise by the parties are essential to achieve progress in negotiations;
“3. Calls upon the parties to continue to show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to enter into a more intensive and substantive phase of negotiations, thus ensuring implementation of resolutions 1754 (2007), 1783 (2007) and 1813 (2008) and the success of negotiations; and affirms its strong support for the commitment of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy towards a solution to the question of Western Sahara in this context;
“4. Calls upon the parties to continue negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General without preconditions and in good faith, taking into account the efforts made since 2006 and subsequent developments, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect;
“5. Invites Member States to lend appropriate assistance to these talks;
“6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council informed on a regular basis on the status and progress of these negotiations under his auspices and expresses its intention to meet to receive and discuss his report;
“7. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a report on the situation in Western Sahara well before the end of the mandate period;
“8. Urges Member States to provide voluntary contributions to fund confidence-building measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family visits, as well as for other confidence-building measures that may be agreed between parties;
“9. Decides to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 30 April 2010;
“10. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance in MINURSO with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including pre-deployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
“11. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”
Background
The Security Council had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara (document S/2009/200), which covers developments since his report of 14 April 2008 (document S/2008/251) and in which he recommends a mandate extension for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2010.
According to the report, the situation in the Territory remains calm. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front) marked its thirty-fifth anniversary on 20 May 2008, and on 22 January 2009, it declared an exclusive economic zone for Western Sahara, extending 200 nautical miles from the coast to protect the Territory’s permanent sovereignty over its natural resources. Polisario Front called for the suspension of a 2005 fisheries agreement between Morocco and the on the European Union, whose Commissioner for External Relations met with the leader of the Polisario Front for the first time in December 2008.
The report states that Christopher Ross, the newly appointed Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, met with several high-level representatives of the parties, and with the King of Morocco and the President of Algeria. All his interlocutors confirmed their commitment to cooperation with the United Nations with a view to reaching a solution as soon as possible. However, the Personal Envoy informed the Secretary-General that the positions of the parties have not changed since the fourth round of negotiations, held in Manhasset, New York, from 16 to 18 March 2008, and remain far apart on ways to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution leading to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.
Welcoming the parties’ commitment to continuing the negotiation process, the Secretary-General recommends that the Council reiterate its call upon Morocco and the Polisario Front to negotiate in good faith, without preconditions, show the political will to enter into substantive discussions and ensure the success of the negotiations.
According to the report, the Secretary-General welcomes the progress made in mine clearing and encourages the parties to continue working with the Mission to establish direct cooperation and communication through a joint military verification commission so as to facilitate their work on mine clearance and other issues of common interest. The continuing exchanges of family visits between the Territory and the refugee camps in the Tindouf area are also welcome, and the parties should continue to work with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and MINURSO to explore the possibility of expanding the confidence-building programme.
Strongly urging the donor community to contribute funds to expand the programme, the Secretary-General concludes by observing that, given the existing circumstances on the ground, and in light of the Personal Envoy’s continuing efforts, the presence of MINURSO remains indispensable for the maintenance of the ceasefire in Western Sahara.
Statements
SUSAN RICE ( United States) said her country fully supported the Secretary-General and his new Personal Envoy in their efforts to find a solution to the question of Western Sahara. The problem had gone on for too long, and as a consequence, poor relations between Morocco and Algeria had prevented cooperation on issues of urgency for North Africa. On the Personal Envoy’s recent trip to the region, all interlocutors had confirmed their commitment to cooperate with the United Nations and concurred with his assessment that informal preparatory talks might help pave the way for formal and more substantive talks. Given the current situation on the ground, the presence of MINURSO remained indispensable.
JEAN-MAURICE RIPERT (France) said there was no solution to the situation in Western Sahara other than a negotiated political settlement that was inclusive of the concerns of the parties and which benefited the whole of the Maghreb region. France would call on the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible in a spirit of realism and compromise, and with the political will finally to reach a just and lasting decision. Morocco’s 2007 proposal deserved serious consideration. France backed the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, as well as the idea of a round of informal talks ahead of formal negotiations.
VITALY CHURKIN ( Russian Federation) said the unanimous adoption of the resolution sent a message to the parties of the need for progress in the negotiations and it could help assist the Personal Envoy’s endeavours to give new life to the peace process. The Russian Federation attached great importance to direct dialogue in the negotiations.
JOHN SAWERS ( United Kingdom) welcomed the unanimous adoption of the resolution as it sent an important message of support for Personal Envoy Ross as he embarked on his new role. The fresh approach provided a real opportunity for the parties to take an equally fresh approach. The United Kingdom strongly urged all the parties to seize the opportunity and undertake talks in the sprit of openness. They should work towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution that would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. Regarding the resolution’s reference to the “human dimension” of the situation, the United Kingdom firmly believed that an expansion of humanitarian confidence-building measures would do much to restore trust between the parties.
JORGE URBINA ( Costa Rica) said that, while he had voted in favour of the resolution because it was important to lend unanimous Council support to the plan presented by the Personal Envoy, he was not satisfied with the text. As an active advocate of the peaceful settlements of disputes, Costa Rica was sorry that its delegation’s proposals and concerns were not reflected in the text, in particular a proposal to ask for a report on the efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Western Sahara, as requested in the Secretary-General’s last two reports. Unfortunately, the Council had not endorsed the Secretary-General’s conclusions.
PATRICK MUGOYA ( Uganda) said he had voted in favour of renewing the mandate but remained concerned by a number of issues raised in the Secretary-General’s report regarding the human rights situation in the Western Sahara. One of the key areas of concern for the United Nations was human rights, and Uganda was aware that MINURSO’s mandate contained no human rights mechanisms. Uganda, therefore, welcomed the Secretary-General’s reference to the “human dimension” of the situation in Western Sahara and looked forward to concrete action to address the issue on the ground.
PAUL ROBERT TIENDRÉBÉOGO ( Burkina Faso) said the Council should pursue clear objectives and spare no effort to promote a rapid resumption of the Manhasset process. Those objectives were reflected in the resolution, which was the best possible compromise at the present stage.
THOMAS MAYR-HARTING ( Austria) said he hoped a new approach to the Western Sahara question would lead to progress in the Territory and in the refugee camps. To that end, Austria supported the recommendation on consultations between the parties and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the promotion of confidence-building measures.
Council President CLAUDE HELLER (Mexico), speaking in his national capacity, said he was gratified by the adoption of the resolution, in particular the unanimity of the vote, which reflected support for MINURSO’s work and for the initiatives taken by the new Personal Envoy. Mexico also supported the Personal Envoy’s suggestion that small preparatory meetings be organized before a fifth meeting in Manhasset was convened, and trusted that the parties would attend in good faith and without preconditions. Because the Council could not neglect the topic of human rights in its consideration of the situation, Mexico welcomed preambular paragraph 7 of the resolution, which stressed the importance of progress in that regard.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Appel Urgent
El Aaiun, Sahara Occidental ,le 04/04/09
Déclaration
L’ASVDH, exprime sa profonde préoccupation, face a l’état de sante dégradée des prisonniers politiques sahraouis incarcères dans la prison de Boulemharez à Marrakech, qui sont en grève de la faim depuis le 12 février 2009 .surtout la situation sanitaire des prisonniers BRAHIM BERIAZ ,IKHALIHNNA ABOU LHASSAN et Ali SALEM ABLAGH qui ont atteint un seuil critique.
L’ASVDH, exprime sa profonde indignation pour le silence et la négligence avec lesquels agit l'administration pénitentiaire de la prison de Boulemharez, face aux revendications légitimes des prisonniers, ainsi qu'aux lourdes peines prononcées par les tribunaux marocaines.
L’ASVDH lance un appel urgent, aux organisations internationales exercer toutes les pressions sur le gouvernement Marocain afin de sauvegarder la vie et la santé des grévistes et de libérer tous les prisonniers politiques sahraouis qui se trouvent encore dans les prisons Marocaines et à El Aaiun au Sahara Occidental. En appelant les âmes éprises de justice à dénoncer ce crime perpétré par l’état Marocain contre la population civile sahraouies.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Llamamento
RASD / HRW / DERECHOS HUMANOS
AFAPREDESA pide a HRW evitar la tragedia de los presos políticos saharauis en huelga de hambre en las cárceles marroquíes
Chahid El Hafed (Campamentos de Refugiados Saharauis), 2 de abril de 2009 (SPS) El Presidente de la Asociación de Familiares de Preso y Desaparecidos Saharauis (AFAPREDESA) Abdeslam Omar Lahsen ha pedido a Human Rights Watch (HRW) a intervenir inmediatamente con el fin de “evitar una tragedia humana” en alusión al caso de los presos políticos saharauis en huelga de hambre en cárceles marroquíes. "Pedimos a usted - ya que su organización se ha ganado su reputación en la defensa de los derechos humanos en todo el mundo, a intervenir de inmediato con el fin de evitar la tragedia humana que se desarrolla como resultado de la persistencia de las autoridades marroquíes en su salvaje represión haciendo caso omiso de los derechos fundamentales de los presos políticos en huelga de hambre ", dijo el Presidente de AFAPREDESA en una carta dirigida, el jueves, a la directora de la Organización para Oriente Medio y Norte de África, Sarah Leah Whitson. "Hacemos un llamamiento a su alta autoridad moral para hacer todo lo posible para que las autoridades marroquíes respeten el derecho internacional y humanitario." "Me gustaría llamar su atención sobre el grave deterioro de la salud de un grupo de presos políticos saharauis, que comenzaron una huelga de hambre el 13 de febrero de 2009, con el fin de llamar la atención sobre la urgente necesidad de la aplicación de la legalidad internacional en elSáhara Occidental y en protesta contra las inhumanas condiciones de vida en esta prisión, donde no se respeta ni el mínimo de las normas y convenios internacionales que garantizan la protección de la dignidad humana”, escribió el Presidente de AFAPREDESA, señalando que “este es el caso de Brahim Beryaz, Khalihenna Abu El Hassan y Ali Salem Belar ". También ha llamado la atención de la Organización sobre el caso de otro grupo de detenidos saharauis en huelga de hambre en la Cárcel Negra de El Aaiun en reivindicación de la aplicación del derecho del pueblo saharaui a la autodeterminación en conformidad con las decisiones de las Naciones Unidas, y en solidaridad con los detenidos en la Cárcel de Bulmharez en Marrakech. Entre ellos se encuentran Bechri Ben Taleb, Ahemdat Ahmed Salem y Mohamed El Gasmi Lahbib. El Presidente de AFAPREDESA recordó, en su carta, que en los últimos años, el constante deterioro de los derechos humanos en el Sahara Occidental ha sido desenmascarado, una y otra vez por muchas organizaciones de derechos humanos y organismos especializados que han sido autorizados a visitar el territorio, tales como Human Right Watch pero esos informes no han impedido que las autoridades marroquíes sigan ejerciendo flagrantes violaciones de los derechos en el Sahara Occidental. (SPS 083/090/TRD 100 021735 ABR 09 SPS
Call
SADR/AI/HUMAN RIGHTS
Saharawi NGO calls on AI to prevent tragedy of Saharawi political prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails
Shahid Alhafed (Saharawi refugee camps) April 2, 2009 (SPS) The President of the Association of Detenained and disappeared Saharawis and their Families (AFAPREDESA) Abdeslam Omar Lahsen has called on Amnesty International (AI) to immediately intervene in order to prevent the unfolding human tragedy of Saharawi political prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails.
“We call upon you, since your organization has gained its reputation in the defense of human rights worldwide, to intervene immediately in order to prevent further deterioration of human rights that could result in a tragedy shaped by the stubbornness of the Moroccan authorities in their savage repression while ignoring basic rights of those political prisoners,” he said in a letter Thursday to Amnesty International Secretary General Mrs. Irene Khan. “We are making this call to your consciousness to do everything possible to bring the Moroccan authorities to interact positively with international law and international humanitarian law and do your utmost to save these human lives.” “Khalihenna Abu el Hassan, Salem Ablagh and Ibrahim Bryaz were arrested by Moroccan Security forces in April and December of the last year on their political opinions in favour of the right of the Saharawi, people for self-determination and independence,” he added in his letter. “On February 13, 2009, they have started a nonstop hunger strike calling for the recognition of their status as political prisoners which has been continuing now for seven weeks.” He also has drawn the Organization’s attention to other violations which are unprecedented by the Moroccan repressive authorities against innocent and peaceful citizens on hunger strike in the Moroccan Black Jail in El Aiun, capital of the territory for over 8 days, since Tuesday March 24, 2009. Their health is badly deteriorating, including that of Bechri Ben Taleb, Hamdati Ahmed Salem, and Gasmi Mohamed Lahbib.062/090/100 021735 APRIL 09 SPS
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
(SCSC) Sahara: Torturan y detienen a varios activistas de DD.HH. que se iban a reunir con los europarlamentarios Hamia Ahmed Musa y Rachid Sghyar, del Comité contra la Tortura de Dajla, permanecen en paradero desconocido desde esta tarde El Aaiún.- Los tres representantes del Comité Contra la Tortura de Dajla, Hamia Ahmed Musa, Ulad Chej Mahyub y Rachid Sghyar, que tenían previsto reunirse esta tarde con la delegación del Parlamento Europeo que visita los territorios ocupados por Marruecos en el Sahara Occidental, fueron "agredidos brutalmente" por la policía marroquí cuando se dirigían a este encuentro previsto en el Hotel Parador de la capital saharaui, El Aaiún, informó al Servicio de Comunicación Saharaui en Canarias el presidente del citado Comité de defensa de los Derechos Humanos, El Mami Amar Salem. Las calles de la ciudad permanecen "bajo un férreo control policial" con motivo de la visita de los europarlamentarios y "numerosos agentes de paisano controlan todas las calles de acceso al hotel donde se aloja la delegación europea", indicaron los activistas. Fue precisamente cuando se dirigían al Hotel Parador, cuando los tres miembros del Comité Contra la Tortura de Dajla "fueron parados en un control" y, tras indicar el motivo de su presencia en la ciudad y que se dirigían a la reunión prevista, "fueron torturados en plena calle" y, dos de ellos, Hamia Ahmed Musa y Rachid Sghyar, "detenidos e introducidos en un vehículo policial", indican las fuentes. El tercero, Ulad Chej Mahyub, logró alcanzar el hotel y esperó a que llegara su turno para entrevistarse con la delegación de Estrasburgo, "con graves heridas en las piernas", asegura el Comité contra la Tortura de Dajla. Por la noche, aún se desconocía el paradero y la situación de los dos activistas de derechos humanos detenidos, pero fuentes en la ciudad saharaui expresaron su temor a que estuvieran sufriendo nuevas "torturas en dependencias policiales". (SCSC)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ross for Western Sahara
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon names Christopher Ross as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara
Shahid Al-Hafed ( Saharawi Refuge Camps ), 8 Jan, 2009 (SPS) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has informed the Security Council of the appointment of American diplomat, Christopher Ross, as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters, in statement made public on the website of the United Nations.
.“Mr. Ross will work with the parties and neighbouring countries (...) with objective of achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara,” said Michele Montas.
The Department of State for Foreign Affairs of the USA has welcomed the appointment of Mr. Ross to the position of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara, calling on the parties to the conflict, Polisario Front and Morocco “to engage in new rounds of direct negotiations at the beginning of this year. "
The UN Secretary-General had informed last August the two parties to the conflict, Morocco and the Polisario Front, as well as members of the Security Council of his intention to appoint Mr. Christopher Ross as new personal representative for Western Sahara, but without making it publicly.
.The peace process in Western Sahara is currently stalled, after the termination of the mandate of the previous personal envoy of UN Secretary-General in Western Sahara, Peter Van Walsum.
Mr. Van Walsum, who oversaw since June 2007 four rounds of direct negotiations between Morocco and Polisario Front in Manhasset, near New York, lost the confidence of Mr. Ki-moon and the Polisario Front when he described as "unrealistic" the option of independence for Western Sahara. (SPS)
.062/090/000 08 1205 JAN 09 SPS
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saharawis remember Palestinians
Bir Lehlu (liberated territories), 30/12/2008 (SPS) The Government of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Polisario Front condemned Monday the massacre by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza Strip since Saturday, in which more than 350 were dead and 1600 injured, according to a statement of Saharawi Ministry of Information received by SPS.
The Government of the SADR considers that "the use of force, the policy of colonial occupation, killing and terror against defenseless citizens are contrary to morals, laws and customs of the humanity and are in contradiction with international legality."
Based on this principle, Saharawi Government, "expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people in the tragedy subsequent to the massacre perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza Strip and supports their battle to defend their independence and territorial sovereignty", said the text.
The Saharawi Government and the Polisario Front which strongly condemn this criminal aggression against the Palestinian people, "urged the international community and all peoples and governments, including the Arabs to act urgently in order to bring to a halt these premeditated assaults, to prevent defenseless Palestinian people and lift the siege imposed on Gaza City." (SPS)
062/090/000 30 1230 Dec 08 SPS
The Government of the SADR considers that "the use of force, the policy of colonial occupation, killing and terror against defenseless citizens are contrary to morals, laws and customs of the humanity and are in contradiction with international legality."
Based on this principle, Saharawi Government, "expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people in the tragedy subsequent to the massacre perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza Strip and supports their battle to defend their independence and territorial sovereignty", said the text.
The Saharawi Government and the Polisario Front which strongly condemn this criminal aggression against the Palestinian people, "urged the international community and all peoples and governments, including the Arabs to act urgently in order to bring to a halt these premeditated assaults, to prevent defenseless Palestinian people and lift the siege imposed on Gaza City." (SPS)
062/090/000 30 1230 Dec 08 SPS
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Steps back in history
Western Sahara, is a territory of (266,000 sq km), North West Africa. It borders on the Atlantic Ocean in the west, on Morocco in the north (443 km), on Algeria in the northeast (42 km), and on Mauritania in the east and south (1, 561 km).
Part of the Sahara, it is extremely arid and is almost entirely covered with stones, gravel, or sand. Rocky highlands in the east reach c.1, 500 ft (460 m). It is mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast.
There is evidence of trade between the Western Sahara and Europe by the 4th cent. B.C. Portuguese navigators reached Cape Bojador on the northern coast of present-day Western Sahara in 1434. However, there was little European contact with the region until the 19th cent. In 1884, and as a consequence of the Berlin Conference, Spain claimed a protectorate over the coast from Cape Bojador to Cap Blanc (at the present border with Mauritania). The boundaries of the protectorate were extended by Franco-Spanish agreements in 1900, 1904, and 1920. Smara was not captured until 1934, and the Spanish had only slight contact with the interior until the 1950s. In 1957, a Saharawi Resistance movement ousted the Spanish, who regained control of the region with French and Moroccan help in Feb., 1958.
In Apr., 1958, Spain joined the previously separate districts of Saguia el Hamra (in the north) and Río de Oro (in the south) to form by a Royal Decree the province of Spanish Sahara. The UN declared the right of non-self-governing territories and placed Western Sahara on its agenda for decolonization in 1966. In the early 1970s, dissidents formed organizations seeking independence for the province. In May 1973, The Polisario Front was found, still today the unique and legitimate representative of the Saharawi people and fought with armed struggle for the independence of Western Sahara. At the same time, the UN pressured Spain to call a referendum on the area's future in accordance with UN resolutions. Continuing guerrilla warfare in the 1970s, The Madrid Agreement of 1975 to hand over “Spanish Sahara” to the neighboring countries and a march of over 300,000 Moroccans into the territory in 1975, led to Spain's withdrawal from the province in 1976, when it was renamed Western Sahara.
Upon Spain's withdrawal, and as agreed in Madrid, Morocco and Mauritania subdivided the region, with Morocco controlling the northern two thirds and Mauritania the southern third. The international Court of Justice ruled out the Moroccan claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Polisario Front waged guerrilla warfare against the two nations and proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. In 1979, Mauritania withdrew from its portion, which was taken over by Morocco. Polisario continued its attacks on Moroccan strongholds. To hold control of the territory, Morocco used Napalm and White Phosphorous against the defenseless Saharawis. The brutal illegal Moroccan invasion of the territory caused thousands of refugees to flee into neighboring Algerian desert, living under tents in the most inhospitable place of the world, depending entirely on International Aid and eventually Morocco built a 2000Km sophisticated isolating defensive wall around the area. A UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented in 1991, and a referendum was to decide the territory's future. Disputes regarding who would be permitted to vote delayed the referendum in the following years, during which time the two third of the territory is still illegally integrated administratively into Morocco. The 1991 peace accords included an agreement on the carrying out of a referendum among the indigenous population. The referendum was planned to give the population the option between independence or inclusion to Morocco. The referendum has, however, to this date not been carried out due to the conflict over who is entitled to vote and the Moroccans intransigence to include thousands of their own citizens in the electoral body. UN attempts to broker a peace agreement have been unsuccessful, with Morocco generally rejecting any plan that might affect its sovereignty over the area, even though this claim is far from universally recognized and in fact a majority of other nations do not recognize the Moroccan claim.
Beside its reluctant attitude to a just and democratic solution to the conflict, Morocco, which is classified universally one of the worst regime for its records on Human rights, persists in its fragrant human rights abuses against the helpless Saharawis in the occupied zones of Western Sahara, which has been for many decades under terrible military siege and media black-out.
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