New York (UN), 17 October 2020 (SPS) – Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mozambique to the United Nations, H. E. Mr. António Gumende, has reaffirmed Mozambique’s support for the self-determination and independence of Western Sahara based on the values and principles of the United Nations.
Speaking at the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) 75th Session of the General Assembly, on implementation of the declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples,
The Permanent Representative stressed that Mozambique continues to support efforts to find the acceptable solution to allow to the people of Western Sahara to enjoy their inalienable right to self-determination and independence in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
“The lack of progress three decades after the resolution establishing the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is an unfortunate situation which perpetuates the suffering and deterioration of conditions of the people of Western Sahara,” he said.
“The appointment of a new Personal Envoy for Western Sahara is matter that deserves urgent attention in order to facilitate the process towards the holding of the long-awaited referendum for the people of Western Sahara, as well safeguard the protection and respect of human rights of the Sahrawi people,” he added.
He expressed the support of Mozambique to the international efforts, including those of the United Nations, to find peaceful and lasting solution to the question of Western Sahara, signaling the importance of the role of the African Union in addressing this issue, which is, in essence, an issue decolonization as a challenge that persists in the world.
He called upon Morocco and the POLISARIO Front to resume negotiations towards finding a lasting, fair and sustainable solution. (SPS)