Morocco expects MINURSO to leave the Sahara soon
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Visionguinee
Morocco’s Royal Cabinet considers the non-renewal of MINURSO’s mandate a step towards closing the Sahara file at the UN. It expects the mission’s personnel, vehicles and equipment to leave soon, according to a statement issued after the Security Council decision.
The Moroccan Royal Cabinet expects MINURSO, the UN mission in the Sahara, to leave in the coming days after the Security Council did not renew its mandate on 30 October. In a statement reported by Visionguinee, the palace described the decision as a step towards closing the Sahara file at the United Nations.
The Royal Cabinet said the withdrawal would concern the mission’s personnel, vehicles, equipment and symbols. It also said that Security Council meetings on the Sahara, reports by the UN secretary-general and briefings by his personal envoy would no longer be necessary.
The Moroccan statement said Rabat intended to pursue its «international momentum» and remain committed to the ceasefire, while defending its territorial integrity and national security. The Royal Cabinet also announced that similar steps would soon be taken in other UN bodies.
The Security Council’s decision followed the rejection on 30 October of a Russian draft resolution to extend MINURSO’s mandate, and the subsequent end of the mandate as noted by Rabat in its statement on the end of MINURSO’s mandate.
