Brussels, December 8, 2018 (SPS) – The European Union (EU) welcomed the participation of the parties in Western Sahara conflict, Morocco and Polisario Front, and the two neighboring countries Algeria and Mauritania in Geneva roundtable on Western Sahara, on 5 – 6 December.
«This demonstrates the renewed efforts undertaken by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and his Personal Envoy Horst Köhler to solve the Western Sahara dispute and to convene the parties and neighbours in a spirit of openness and mutual respect,» said the EU Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic.
For the EU, the participation by all delegations, including the two conflicting parties and “the announcement of a second meeting in the first quarter of 2019 show that all participants share a readiness for further engagement under the auspices of the UN.”
«This momentum must be used and talks actively pursued in a spirit of compromise,» added Kocijancic.
The holding of the initial Geneva Round Table on Western Sahara on 5 and 6 December was the first meeting in six years involving direct talks.
«The European Union is ready to contribute to measures that can create a positive climate for the talks, as a concrete translation of our complete support for the UN efforts,» concluded the EU spokesperson.
Security Council Resolution 2440 on October 31 enjoined the colonizing country, Morocco, and the Polisario Front, the legitimate and unique representative of the Western Sahara people to resume negotiations «without preconditions and in good faith,» to achieve a solution to the conflict, which allows the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. (SPS)