The UN Security Council voted Friday in favor of a resolution brought forward by the United States backing Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the "most feasible" solution for the disputed territory, despite Algeria's opposition.
The Western Sahara is a vast mineral-rich former Spanish colony that is largely controlled by Morocco but has been claimed for decades by the pro-independence Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria.
The Security Council had previously urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania to resume talks to reach a broad agreement.
But, at the initiative of Donald Trump's administration, the council resolution supported a plan, initially presented by Rabat in 2007, in which Western Sahara would enjoy autonomy under Morocco's sole sovereignty.
The resolution, adopted by 11 votes with none against and three abstentions, with Algeria refusing to participate, said autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could be the basis for any future negotiations to resolve the 50-year-old conflict.
Trump, during his first term in office, in 2020, recognized Morocco's claim to Western Sahara after Morocco normalized relations with Israel, achieving top diplomatic objectives for both Rabat and Washington.
Spain, France, Britain, and Germany have since expressed support for Morocco's sovereignty over the territory.
Algerian Opposition
Trump, who has set his sights on receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, often boasts about his ability to help end conflicts around the world, claiming key roles in Gaza, Kashmir, and several other hotspots in recent months.
The United Nations envoy on Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has welcomed US efforts to solve the issue but raised concerns about the lack of detail in Morocco's plan.
"Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution," the UNSC resolution said.
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama said the text "does not faithfully or sufficiently reflect the UN doctrine on decolonization."
It "fell short of the expectations and legitimate aspirations of the people of Western Sahara, represented by the Polisario Front, who have been resisting for over 50 years to have, as the sole party, a say in their own destiny," he added.
The resolution adopted Friday calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and de Mistura to conduct negotiations on the basis of the plan to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
It also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year.
AFP
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