Sahara: US Reaffirms its Support for Moroccan Autonomy Initiative

The United States reaffirmed Friday in New York its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the “serious, credible and realistic” solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. “We continue to regard Morocco’s autonomy plan as serious, credible and realistic” to meet the aspirations of the populations of the region for “a peaceful and prosperous future,” said the U.S. representative to the Security Council following the Council’s adoption of a resolution extending MINURSO’s mandate for one year. “In support of the Personal Envoy, the United States will continue to consult privately on how best to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute based on compromise,” said ambassador Richard Mills, Deputy Permanent Representative. The United States also urged all parties “to demonstrate their commitment to peace by engaging in the political process without preconditions and in good faith.” In this sense, the U.S. diplomat noted that the appointment of Staffan de Mistura as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Sahara “offers a long overdue opportunity to revitalize the political process led by the United Nations and allow the parties to take a step forward on the path to a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions”.