Russia backs extending MINURSO mandate in the Sahara
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Yabiladi
Russia says the Sahara conflict must be resolved through political means in line with UN Security Council resolutions. In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also said she supported extending MINURSO’s mandate, while reserving Russia’s position on the US draft resolution, according to Yabiladi.
Russia supports extending the mandate of MINURSO, the UN mission in the Sahara, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday 28 October, reports Yabiladi. Moscow says the conflict must be resolved through political means, in accordance with Security Council resolutions and the United Nations Charter.
The spokeswoman did not settle Russia’s position on the draft resolution put forward by the United States at the Security Council: she said Moscow would take a position after the negotiations ended. She also welcomed the resumption of dialogue on the Moroccan autonomy plan, with the participation of the parties and neighbouring countries, and the UN’s coordinating role.
Moscow says it wants to facilitate the implementation of any agreement reached. Russia, China and Pakistan had abstained in the previous year’s vote on Security Council Resolution 2797, which launched discussions on the Moroccan autonomy plan.
The statement comes after a meeting in Moscow between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Russian counterpart Sergueï Lavrov on 28 October, followed by their preparatory discussions for the Russia-Africa summit on 26 October. It follows exchanges on the UN vote on the Sahara.
