The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed, before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), its unwavering support for Morocco, its sovereignty over its Sahara, and its territorial integrity.
In his statement following the October 30 vote by Council members on resolution 2703 which renews the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara’s (MINURSO) mandate by one year, UAE Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Mohamed Abushahab, affirmed that his country “reiterates its unwavering support for the Kingdom of Morocco and its sovereignty over the whole of the Moroccan Sahara”, denouncing any attack on Morocco’s territorial integrity.
The Emirati diplomat stressed that the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, which the Security Council has described as serious and credible since 2007, is the only basis for achieving a fair, lasting, pragmatic, and compromise political solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
The Emirati deputy permanent representative also expressed his country’s commitment to the constructive efforts of the United Nations (UN) aimed at achieving a solution “to this situation which has lasted for decades” to further strengthen stability and security in a region beset by multiple challenges.
Praising the adoption of resolution 2703, the Emirati diplomat expressed his country’s gratitude to pen-holder the United States and the members of the Council for their constructive commitment during the negotiations.
Abushahab noted that the UAE had voted in favor of this balanced text, which takes into account the latest developments in the Moroccan Sahara dossier, notably the informal bilateral consultations organized by the United Nations Secretary-General’s (UNSG) Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
The Emirati diplomat also stressed that the new resolution testifies to the Security Council’s ongoing support for MINURSO and the Personal Envoy’s efforts to advance the political process under the aegis of the United Nations (UN).
Emphasizing the importance of supporting the Personal Envoy’s efforts to resume negotiations, the Emirati diplomat pointed out that the resumption of round-table discussions with all parties involved would contribute to overcoming the political impasse.
Abushahab also underlined the need for MINURSO to regularly resupply its team sites so that the Mission can effectively implement its mandate, praising, in this regard, Morocco’s cooperation with MINURSO and its commitment to the ceasefire.
The Emirati diplomat concluded that the separatist “polisario” militia must fully cooperate with the United Nations (UN) Mission, lift all restrictions on its action on the ground, and resume the ceasefire.
