STATEMENT OF H.E. MOHAMED ABDELAZIZ PRESIDENT OF THE SADR AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE FRENTE POLISARIO

STATEMENT OF H.E. MOHAMED ABDELAZIZ PRESIDENT OF THE SADR AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE FRENTE POLISARIO


In his speech of enthronement, the King of Morocco has just confirmed, on the eve of the second round of direct negotiations between the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco, a position that cannot be more rigid and intransigent regarding the conflict of Western Sahara.

Whilst disparaging the resolutions of the United Nations and particularly resolution 1754 that called for negotiations, without preconditions, between the parties with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable political solution that would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, the King wants to unilaterally set the rules of the game by imposing the framework and the end result of the negotiations. This is an exorbitant and unprecedented claim in the contemporary international relations.

This attempt to distort reality and to derail the decolonisation process of Western Sahara by resorting to manipulation and fallacious interpretation of law reveals unequivocally a will to perpetuate the colonial fait accompli and to undermine the peace efforts of the international community.

This is a position that is prejudicial and negative and augurs bad for the next round of negotiations. All that Morocco seeks therefore is to impose, in advance, its annexationist vision and not to negotiate the solution called for by the United Nations, which should be mutually acceptable and providing for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.


What the King of Morocco proposes is a diktat that the Saharawi people will never accept. It is a diktat that aims to pervert a decolonisation process and to impose a parody of a negotiated solution, and to make the United Nations a mere registration enterprise. "Autonomy" cannot be but an option along with independence that should be submitted to the democratic and sovereign choice of the Saharawi people in a free and transparent referendum on self-determination organised and supervised by the United Nations.


The Frente POLISARIO, always encouraged by the sincere will to advance and bring the peace process to fruition, will be present at Manhasset meeting with a view to implementing the letter and spirit of resolution 1754 (2007) of the Security Council.

The Frente POLISARIO would also like to seize on this opportunity to hold the international community witness to the intransigent position declared today by the King of Morocco, which threatens with undermining the commendable efforts deployed by the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy as well as by many of good will around the world.


Bir Lehlou, 30 July 2007