Security Council votes on Friday on a revised US draft resolution on the Sahara

According to what was published by the "Lakm" website, the UN Security Council votes on Friday on a new US draft resolution on the Sahara, after making fundamental amendments to its first draft. The draft has been prepared in its final version known diplomatically as the "blue version", which differs from the leaked preliminary draft known as the "zero draft", whose most prominent content has already been published by Lakome website.

The amendments came after consultations within the Security Council, and with reservations about the first US draft, especially by Russia. which the text referred to the possibility of vetoing if the original wording is retained. One of the most prominent amendments was the deletion of the phrase that considered Moroccan autonomy the only solution to the conflict, replacing it with a phrase that believes that granting real autonomy within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty is the most realistic solution. In return, the draft retains the Moroccan proposal as the only basis for further negotiations, and invites the parties to submit their responses based on it.

The draft explicitly reaffirmed the principle of self-determination. It stipulated the commitment of the Security Council to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, including the right to self-determination.

As for the United Nations Mission, the draft proposes to extend its mandate until October 31, 2027, with the change of its name from November 1, 2026 to the United Nations Mission in the Sahara (MINURSO), by deleting the reference to the organization of the referendum from its official name. The draft requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations to submit detailed proposals before 30 January 2027 on restructuring the mission, reducing the number of its personnel, and closing or merging some of its sites, provided that the Security Council decides later on its future and the possibility of amending its mandate according to the development of the political process. The new formula does not include an immediate decision to terminate the mission or transform it into a political mission.

Another new addition is the request of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for consultations with wider Saharan components. It includes parties that are not involved in the negotiations, whether within the territory, in refugee camps, or in the diaspora. The project also calls on UNHCR to complete the registration of Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf area within six months, in accordance with international law and UNHCR standards, while ensuring freedom of movement and unhindered access. The text affirms the Security Council's support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, and for the American role in facilitating negotiations. With an emphasis on the continuation of the international leadership of the political process.

The draft is scheduled to be put to a vote after 3 p.m. New York time on Friday, to be adopted if it receives at least nine votes in favor, without any of the five permanent members using their veto power.

Source: Lakm - https://lakome2.com/politique/435907/