Rabat – Speaking to UN-accredited press in New York, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita shed light on Polisario’s serious incursions in the restricted buffer zones east of the Moroccan berm, displaying evidence of Polisario’s ongoing presence in the region.
During his briefing on Wednesday, Bourita informed international press of King Mohammed VI’s letter to the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
In his letter, King Mohammed VI expressed his concerns over Polisario’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, “which could hinder and undermine the region’s security and the ongoing settlement process under the auspices of the United Nations.”
Bourita told the press that Morocco’s reaction to the illegal maneuvers carried out by Polisario in Western Sahara is a “clear message that Morocco has conveyed today to both the presidency of the Council and the UN Secretary-General.”
The official also warned the press that the situation is “serious,” as it shifts the legal and historical status of the zone east of the defense structure.
The minister also criticized the separatists’ provocative actions, including their attempts to receive Head of UN mission in Western Sahara, Colin Stewart, in the buffer zone, as opposed to the Polisario-run camps, in Tindouf, Algeria.
Bourita also pointed out that Morocco has provided the United Nations with proof and evidence of the presence of the Algeria-backed separatists in the region, which MINURSO previously denied.
The minister also blamed Algeria for pushing and encouraging Polisario to change the status of the region.
“By sharing this information, Morocco has made it clear that it cannot accept such a change. If the international community, the Security Council and the United Nations do not shoulder their responsibility, Morocco will assume its responsibility to avoid such a change, and to prevent such a challenge to international law and UN resolutions, and…to peace and stability in this region.”
“Morocco cannot allow this change, and leave this area, which was entrusted to the United Nations, in the hands of a military movement with dubious connections,” he concluded.
