UN resolution on Western Sahara decolonization, a new failure for Morocco

The United Nations reaffirmation of the inalienable right of Sahrawi people to self-determination and the nature of the Western Sahara question as a decolonization issue "is a new failure for Morocco's attempts to mislead the international public opinion," said the Sahrawi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement, published by the Sahrawi news agency (SPS).

The resolution on Western Sahara decolonization, adopted by the UN Fourth Committee on 10 October 2016, "reemphasizes UN's responsibility towards the Sahrawi people," said the statement.

The resolution, co-sponsored by 26 countries, reaffirms UN position on the Sahrawi people cause, as an issue of the decolonization of Africa's last colony, and reaffirms Sahrawi people's inalienable right to self-determination and independence, in accordance with the provisions of the resolution 1514 (XV) of December 1960," added the statement.

The resolution also reaffirms the support of the UN General Assembly to the negotiation process, initiated by the Security Council with a view to finding a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

The resolution, presented by 25 countries, including Algeria, hailed the efforts of the UN Chief and his special envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, for the resumption of negotiations, at standstill since 2012.