African Union reaffirms support for self-determination referendum in Western Sahara

Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) - MAP - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Jean Ping, reaffirmed Sunday the support of the AU to the holding of a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, in a report submitted to the 19th ordinary session of the AU Executive Council taking place in Equatorial Guinea on June 26-27, 2011.

Dr. Jean Ping renewed commitment of AU to make every effort to support solution guaranteeing right of the Saharawi people to self-determination in line with Tripoli Plan of Action, which stipulates “the need for a referendum of self-determination to give the people of the Territory the possibility to freely choose between the option of independence and that of integration within the Kingdom of Morocco.”

He also expressed hope that the two parties, Polisario Front and Morocco, would meaningfully cooperate towards the definitive resolution of the conflict in Western Sahara, based on due respect for international legality.