Etiquettes : Western Sahara, Frente Polisario, Morocco, MINURSO, Security Council, United States,
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
October 30, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President. The United States is pleased to see the Council reaffirm its support for Personal Envoy de Mistura and for MINURSO, led by SRSG Ivanko, with the adoption of this resolution.
Today, this Council sent a clear message: That we must intensify efforts to advance an enduring and dignified resolution for Western Sahara without further delay. Although this resolution received widespread support, we regret that this Council was not unanimous in renewing this mandate, as unity greatly enhances UN efforts to achieve peace.
Colleagues, the United States strongly supports Personal Envoy de Mistura and his efforts to advance the political process. In adopting this resolution, members of the Council underscored the urgent need for a successful political process.
We again call on all parties to engage with the Personal Envoy in good faith and to work toward a sustainable political solution. A political solution is critical to promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Western Sahara and the region, and the United States continues to view Morocco’s autonomy plan as serious, credible, realistic, and one potential approach to satisfying these aspirations.
By renewing this mandate, this Council has also affirmed the critical role of MINURSO, which works to de-escalate tensions, monitor and report on the situation on the ground, and foster the conditions for the political process to advance. We welcome the progress made by MINURSO in the resupply of its team sites to sustain these crucial operations. The continuation of safe and regular resupply operations – and continued respect for MINURSO’s freedom of movement – are vital.
Colleagues, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian conditions in Tindouf. The poor living standards, threats to food security, and lack of access to basic services require a collective response.
The United States, as the largest donor to this humanitarian response, is committed to doing our part. But we must all step up. People across Western Sahara and the region are counting on us. Today was a positive step. But we must continue to push progress forward.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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