Skip to main content

EU welcomes extension of Minurso mandate, reiterates support to UN efforts

Submitted on

Brussels, may 5, 2017 (SPS) -The European Union (EU) hailed Wednesday in Brussels the adoption of a UN Resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso), and reiterated support to the efforts of the Secretary General of the Organization to reach a fair solution that ensures self-determination of the Sahrawi people. 
“The European Union welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution on the renewal of the Minurso mandate until 30 April 2018,” said an EU spokesperson. 
On Friday, fifteen members of the Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution 2351 (2017) extending the Minurso mandate until 30 April 2018.
The Security Council members reaffirmed their support to the resumption of peace negotiations for the conflict in Western Sahara.
“In the interest of stability and security in the region, the EU reiterates support to the UN Secretary General’s efforts for a fair, sustainable and mutually acceptable political solution that ensures the self-determination of the Sahrawi people as part of compatible arrangements with the principles and targets of the Charter of the United Nations,” she stated.
The EU “encourages both parties (Morocco and the Polisario Front) to seize the opportunity provided by this decision and the withdrawal of military forces in Guerguerat area to work for sustainable peace.”
Besides, the EU called “all parties” to comply with the ceasefire terms.
The UN resolution also backs the initiative of its Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is expected to present a report in the next 30 days to resume peace talks.
It also called on both parties to “show political willingness and work in an appropriate atmosphere for dialogue to resume negotiations.” (SPS)
062/090/700