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Rabat – A note circulated by Morocco to members of the United Nations Security Council says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be visiting Rabat in “mid-November” ahead of his participation in the COP22 Climate Summit, according to Whatsinblue.org, a news site dedicated to reporting on the inner workings of the U.N.
The UN chief’s trip to Morocco was announced in September by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarik. During a press conference on September 29, the UN official said Ban’s trip to Morocco would be an opportunity for the UN and Rabat to “discuss bilateral issues.”
It is not sure whether the outgoing UNSG will meet with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI ahead of the COP 22, scheduled to take place on 7-18 November.
The note, distributed by Omar Hilale, Morocco’s U.N. representative, concerns the situation in Guergarat, which was discussed during a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
Moroccan forces want to build a road to the city, which is located near Mauritania. Construction in the area requires prior notice to the U.N. peacekeeping operation MINURSO – tasked with maintaining the peace between the separatist Polisario Front and the kingdom.
The note argues that Morocco complied with the requirements of the cease-fire and Military Agreement No. 1 when it pursued the infrastructure development. On August 28, the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations told the Security Council that Rabat had not informed MINURSO of the construction plans.
The kingdom still backs the 2007 autonomy plan, the note said, which would give the Western Sahara full autonomy on regional issues, while keeping the territory under the Moroccan flag.
Christopher Ross, Ki-moon’s personal representative, is slated to visit Morocco within the next few weeks. However, the note urged the SG to delay Ross’ North Africa tour as Head of Government Abdelilah Benkirane sets up a new government after the October 7th elections.
Ki-moon’s office has been working on mending its relationship with Morocco after the top diplomat referred to the kingdom’s presence in the Western Sahara as an “occupation” in March.
