Oran (Algeria), December 9, 2014 (SPS) – Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, bemoaned Tuesday in Oran, the obstacles that hamper the process of organization of the self-determination referendum for the Saharawi people.
"The many obstacles hampering the holding of Western Sahara self-determination referendum have repeatedly deadlocked this process, "said Lamamra, in an opening address to the second high-level seminar on peace and security in Africa.
The minister recalled that neither the UN special envoy Christopher Ross was able to visit the region as he wished, nor the head of MINURSO Kim Balduc, could take office. "The prospect of self-determination has not been determined almost 40 years after the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on this question of decolonization," he stressed.
Lamamra also expressed Algeria’s support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his special envoy Christopher Ross. "We are convinced that, thanks to the appointment of the African Union personnel envoy, President Chissano, this cooperation could further mobilize the international community in favor of peace, justice and security for all "he stressed.
Besides, the minister welcomed the "significant" achievements represented by the deployment of MINURSO and the observation of the cease-fire between the parties to the conflict, Morocco and the Frente Polisario. (SPS)
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