The United Nations Security Council has made a significant adjustment to its schedule by moving forward the date of its inaugural closed-door meeting concerning the Sahara dispute. This change, prompted by a dynamic international landscape, is now set to take place on April 23, rather than the previously scheduled April 24. The decision reflects a pressing need for dialogue amidst ongoing developments in the Middle East and Gulf regions, as highlighted by diplomatic sources.
During this crucial session, key figures will provide insights into the current state of affairs regarding the Sahara. Staffan de Mistura, the personal envoy of the U.N. Secretary-General, will lead the briefings alongside Alexander Ivanko, who oversees the U.N. mission within the territory, and Asif Khan, the director of policy and mediation in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The discussions are anticipated to cover updates on the political processes as well as outcomes from the latest consultations involving the four principal parties in the dispute: Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. Additionally, an evaluation of the on-ground situation and projections for the U.N. mission's future will be addressed, all within the framework of Security Council Resolution 2797.
Furthermore, the Security Council has retained its second meeting on the agenda for April 30. This session will delve into the U.N. Secretary-General’s report or a briefing from his envoy regarding the strategic review of the mandate for the U.N. mission, formally known as the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara. This comprehensive assessment is based on field visits conducted by specialized U.N. teams to various locations, including cities in the southern provinces, as well as the Tindouf camps situated in Algeria and Mauritania. Such evaluations are part of a broader periodic review of peacekeeping operations, aimed at adapting their roles to align with the evolving dynamics of the conflict and redefining their future direction.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
