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Washington reiterates support to UN mission in Western Sahara

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Washington (United States), 19 March 2016 (SPS) - US Department of State expressed Friday its support to the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), following Morocco's measures against the UN body aiming at weakening it.
 
The US Department of State, through its spokesman John Kirby, said Washington knew about Morocco's latest measures to reduce MINURSO personnel.
 
John Kirby, in a news conference, reiterated UN support to MINURSO for the significant efforts it is making.
 
Kirby made the statement in reply to a question about Morocco's latest measures to reduce MINURSO personnel and to immediately stop its financial contribution to the mission.
 
The United States has taken part in a Security Council meeting, held behind closed doors, in which the members expressed concern over the situation.
 
Asked if the United States would tackle the issue with the King of Morocco or other Moroccan officials, John kirby said no bilateral meeting was planned in this respect and that the problem would be settled within the UN
 
On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regretted Rabat's unilateral decision, which is in total contradiction with Morocco's international obligations.
 
Morocco's measures, which will harm MINURSO, are "unprecedented," the UN chief stressed. (SPS)
 
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