Several countries including Djibouti, Comoro Islands and Papua New Guinea have expressed, at ongoing session of the UN Special Committee 24, firm support to the autonomy plan offered by Morocco for a lasting resolution of the Sahara issue.
Addressing the committee, the delegate of Papua New Guinea welcomed the UN-led political process engaged to find an enduring solution to this regional conflict, commending the autonomy initiative offered by Morocco, to reach “a realistic, pragmatic and lasting political solution on the basis of a compromise”.
He called for a sincere dialogue in line with the spirit of the UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2548, stressing the need for the preservation and promotion of peace and security in the region.
For his part, the representative of the Comoros Islands said Morocco’s autonomy initiative offers the best solution for an enduring peaceful settlement of the Sahara issue.
“The Union of the Comoros praises the investments injected by Morocco in the Sahara within the framework of the development model for the Sahara”, said the Comoro Ambassador Chanfi Issimail.
This model has empowered the local population and boosted the human and socioeconomic development of the Sahara, he said, recalling his country’s decision to open a consulate general in Laayoune in 2019, to support Morocco’s sustained efforts to open up this region.
Several other countries also set up consular representations in Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, he added, affirming that the move is a clear recognition by the international community of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.
The Union of the Comoros is convinced that a political solution to the Sahara issue and an enhanced cooperation between Maghreb countries would foster stability and security in the Sahel region, underlined the diplomat.
After praising Morocco’s respect of the ceasefire in the Sahara and the peaceful action taken to end the obstruction by the polisario armed militias of the Guerguarat crossing, the Comoro delegate voiced his country’s strong concern over the situation of the population in the Tindouf camps.
For his part, the representative of Djibouti hailed as “serious and credible” the efforts made by Morocco within the framework of the autonomy initiative for a lasting solution of the Sahara issue.
The autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara is in line with the international law, UN Charter and resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly, he said, affirming that this plan provides an “excellent basis for discussion to reach a negotiated solution” of this dispute.
The Republic of Djibouti has opened a Consulate General in Dakhla to strengthen further its relations of friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom, said the representative of Djibouti, affirming that his country will continue enhancing its partnership with Morocco in all sectors to serve the two countries common interests.
Several petitioners who took the floor before the UN C-24 denounced the disastrous situation of human rights in the Tindouf camps, where the Polisario militias commit crimes and flagrant abuses in total impunity.