🔗 Share this article UN Approves Measure Supporting Morocco's Claim on Disputed Territory The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from neighboring Algeria. Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position Although Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African nation allies. Resolution Framework and Important Elements The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies. Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution. Historical Information The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory. Voting Patterns and International Reactions The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote. The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara". Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings". Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment The measure also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution. The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's authority within half a year. Area Consequences and Current Conditions The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination. The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall. Historical Background and Current Events A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring. Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. Government support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements. Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania. The group has since frequently reported military activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions". Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims". The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners. Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful." The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.