Sahara.- US “warmly” applauds appointment of de Mistura as new UN envoy to Western Sahara

Madrid, 7 (Europa Press)

The United States government has “warmly” applauded the appointment of Stefan de Mistura as the new Special Envoy to the UN Secretary-General in Western Sahara, nearly two and a half years after the resignation of Horst Köhler and conflict in the face of the uprising of the 1991 Armistice. after breaking up.

“De Mistura brings considerable experience to this critical position to address the challenges in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, adding that Washington is “actively pursuing his efforts to promote a peaceful future.” will support. For the people of Western Sahara and the region.”

According to a statement published by the State Department via its website, “We strongly appreciate de Mistura’s leadership in restarting the United Nations-led political process to achieve a lasting and honorable solution to the conflict in Western Sahara.” support from.”

The UN Secretary-General resolved a vacancy with the appointment of an Italian-Swedish diplomat that dates back to May 2019, when Koehler resigned citing personal reasons. Since then, Guterres himself has admitted that both Rabat and the Polisario Front had killed more than a dozen candidates.

De Mistura assumes office without the parties transferring an iota from their respective positions, while Rabat considers only limited autonomy, with the Polisario Front emphasizing the defense of the former Spanish colony’s self-determination.

Political tensions have also increased as a result of the fact that in December 2020 the United States government under Donald Trump recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, following clashes at the Guerguet Pass bordering Mauritania and the ouster by Morocco. weeks after. Force after blockade by activists.

Western Sahara appears to the United Nations as a non-autonomous region, pending an agreed agreement – ​​or a referendum – that has yet to come. The final coordination between the parties came from Kohler’s hand, although neither Moroccan officials nor the Polisario Front had moved from their positions at that time.

The former Spanish colony of Western Sahara was occupied by Morocco in 1975, despite resistance from the Polisario Front. The 1991 ceasefire was signed with a view to holding a self-determination referendum, but the preparation of the census and differences over whether or not to include Moroccan settlers have so far prevented its convocation.