Mr Williams, who introduced himself, as an independent voice from the
UN, wrote an article
About the Western Sahara issue. In my view he is not well informed of
the reality of the conflict, between on one hand the Kingdom of
Morocco and in the other hand Algeria, and the polisario
I have opted to clarify some points, being directly concerned with
developments concerning the Western Sahara issue:
1. There is no doubt that the question of Western Sahara is not of
decolonization, because W Sahara decolonization took place in 1975
when Spain and Morocco signed an agreement treaty. I would like to
remind you that the process of decolonization of Moroccan territories
which were occupied by Spain took place through negociations.In this
respect; Morocco regained the north zone in April 1956, Tarfaya and
Tan Tan in 1958, Sidi Ifni in 1969, and the Sahara in 1975. Therefore
the UN does not consider the Sahara issue as a colonization affair,
but as a political conflict
2. The international court of justice decided that Western Sahara was
not a TERRA NULLIUS. Its population, although consisting mainly of
nomads, was organized in tribes under the authority of the elected
sheikhs. It found that Western Sahara existed and this legal situation
was recognized not only by the sultan and the population concerned,
but also by the international community.(see international court of
justice/advisory opinion 16/10/1975)
3 Since war brought about no solution, the UN tried to organize a
referendum based
Upon identification. Nevertheless, the UN became aware of the
fact the referendum is
Impossible to carry out since sahraouis do not live only in
Morocco, but also in
Algeria, Mauritania, and Mali. This means that they should be a
change of these
Countries borders (which is not acceptable) in order to organize
a just and fair
Referendum. The UN general secretary confirmed that the
organization of such a
Referendum is impossible politically and technically.
4 It is known to everybody that the Polisario supervises
refugee camps of only 20 to
25% of all Sahraouis.The Polisario is not the sole and
legitimate representative of
Sahraouis, simply because the overwhelming majority of
sahraoui have opted to live
Under Moroccan sovereignty (75 to 80%) they are indeed
represented in the CORCAS
(See http://www.sahara-online.net)
5 The Polisario remains a totalitarian military and political
movement, with single party
System, sole institutions, structures and with everything
wrapped up
In one-track thinking.
6 As to human rights the most severe accusations un HR abuses by the
Polisario have
Been about detention, killing, and the abusive treatment of Moroccan
prisoners of war
For about 25 years, other accusations were that refugees are kept
in the Tindouf camps
Against their will, and do not enjoy freedom of expression. In fact
it is a very sad
Situation that the Polisario are keeping sahraoui refugees by force
in order to get
Financial aid.
The 1720 resolution urges both parties, the Polisario and Morocco,
engaging decisive discussions. For a general point of view a call for
negotiations, or any form of discussion is a positive step towards the
resolution of conflicts. Therefore it is wise for all parties
concerned to consider the substantial autonomy proposal as a basis for
any future settlement because it aims to come up with a peaceful
solution where there is neither a winner nor a loser, and in respect
of dignity of all parties.
The Moroccan proposal is in line with the relevant international
standards, it is an open and constructive response to the expectations
of the international community and the repeated calls of the UN
Security Council. World countries welcomed with interest the autonomy
proposal put forward by Morocco, deeming that it would create a new
dynamism of dialogue to overcome the current deadlock and to
contribute to settling the dispute over Western Sahara.
To conclude, it will be wise if Mr Williams takes his time to learn
more about the complexity of the issue ,the cir***stances that led to
the creation of the polisario in 1973 , the direct intervention of the
regime of Algeria, and finally the historical ,and legal relation****p
between western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco over centuries
..
Unfortunately his article is out of context , shows to what extent his
knowledge about the issue is so poor .
TARIQ SALMI
JOURNALIST
|
