UK Backs Morocco Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara
- RABAT,Morocco – In a diplomatic shift,the United Kingdom now views Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible path toward resolving the long-standing territorial dispute.
- the U.K., a permanent member of the U.N.Security Council, had previously maintained a position supporting self-determination for the region.
- Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been largely controlled by Morocco as 1975, though the United Nations considers it a non-autonomous territory.
The United Kingdom has decisively switched its stance, now backing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible route to resolving the decades-long territorial dispute. This significant shift, announced by U.K. diplomat David Lammy in Rabat, marks a departure from the U.K.’s previous position supporting self-determination for the region, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy. The UK now views the 2007 autonomy proposal as viable. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been largely under Moroccan control as 1975, with the United Nations struggling to facilitate a peace settlement. News Directory 3 closely follows international developments.Lammy urged commitment to the UN-led political process to reach an agreement before the conflict’s 50th anniversary. Discover what’s next in this evolving situation.
UK Shifts Role on Western Sahara,Backs Moroccan Autonomy Plan
RABAT,Morocco – In a diplomatic shift,the United Kingdom now views Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible path toward resolving the long-standing territorial dispute. David Lammy, a leading U.K. diplomat, made the announcement sunday in Rabat.
the U.K., a permanent member of the U.N.Security Council, had previously maintained a position supporting self-determination for the region. Now, the U.K. “considers the autonomy proposal presented by morocco in 2007 viable and pragmatic for a lasting settlement of the dispute,” Lammy said, standing alongside Nasser Bourita, his Moroccan counterpart.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been largely controlled by Morocco as 1975, though the United Nations considers it a non-autonomous territory. For nearly 50 years, Morocco has faced opposition from the Polisario Front, a separatist movement backed by Algeria.A 1991 ceasefire failed to lead to a promised self-determination referendum.
The united Nations has consistently called on all parties to resume negotiations for a enduring political solution.
“This year is a unique opportunity to reach an agreement before the conflict reaches its 50th anniversary in November,” Lammy said.
Lammy urged all involved parties to engage constructively in the U.N.-led political process.
What’s next
The U.N. is expected to continue its efforts to mediate negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with the aim of achieving a lasting political settlement before the conflict’s 50th anniversary.