Russia challenged Spain following its new position on the Moroccan Sahara, evoking, through the voice of its ambassador in Algeria, Igor Belyaev, « the historical responsibility » of Madrid « towards the Saharawi people ».
“Historically, and through its status as a former colonial power, Spain has a special responsibility towards the Sahrawi people, which is to complete the process of decolonization. For decades, the Spanish government has supported the rights of the Sahrawi people,” Belyaev reportedly said in an interview with the Algerian channel An-Nahar.
Recently, Spain supported the Moroccan initiative to grant autonomy to the Sahara; a way of recognizing the Moroccan character of this territory.
The Russian diplomat reiterated his country’s support for the UN resolutions. “We continue to support UN resolutions, including Security Council resolutions on this issue. We also support the efforts of the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. De Mistura,” he said.
He pointed out that the decision of former US President Donald Trump to recognize the Moroccanity of the Sahara, in return for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, was not welcomed, even in his country, the States -United.
More than that, the ambassador felt that Madrid have come under « pressure from certain parties » (without naming them) to change their stance.
Never mind, the continued recognition by several countries (even major powers) of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara suggests that the fight of the Polisario Front, recognized as a terrorist organization, is a wasted effort.
By OMA Newsletter N° 654 of 04/04/2022
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
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Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
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