Algeria's Support for Direct Talks on Western Sahara
Algeria has firmly defended the ongoing negotiation process between Morocco and the Polisario Front aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of Western Sahara, provided that the self-determination of the Sahrawi people is assured. In a speech commemorating Africa Day, Algeria's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, emphasized that this negotiation process, facilitated by both the United States and the United Nations, validates Algeria's demands and efforts over the past fifty years. He stated the necessity of organizing direct negotiations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Attaf outlined Algeria's goal to achieve a "fair, lasting, and definitive" solution that guarantees the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He stressed Algeria's commitment to the principles of the right to self-determination for peoples, the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prioritization of political and diplomatic solutions.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts and the Western Sahara Conflict
The United States continues to actively pursue diplomatic efforts to facilitate an agreement that would bring an end to the conflict in the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara. This was evident during the recent visit of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Algeria and Morocco, where he discussed various topics related to economics, trade, and security cooperation. However, these discussions were framed within the context of Washington's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahrawi territory and support for its autonomy plan, which the Polisario Front has outright rejected.
Landau visited Algeria on April 27 and commenced a brief regional tour that also took him to Morocco, before returning on May 1 after several days of meetings with high-ranking officials from both nations. These meetings are part of the recent rounds of discussions held in Madrid and Washington regarding the Western Sahara dispute, details of which have yet to emerge fully.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, was occupied by Morocco in 1975 despite resistance from the Polisario Front. A war ensued until 1991 when both parties signed a ceasefire with the intention of holding a self-determination referendum. However, disagreements over the voter registration process and whether to include Moroccan settlers have so far thwarted any plans for the referendum.
As reported by notimerica.com.
