Copenhagen (Denmark), April 11, 2017- In the response of the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anders Samuelsen on Monday to various questions related to Western Sahara in the Danish Parliament mainly about the trial of 24 activists from Gdeim Izik, in Sale near Rabat in Morocco and the holding of the Crans Montana Forum for the third time its annual session in the city of Dakhla in the Moroccan-occupied territories of Western Sahara from 16-21 March 2017.
Related to the Gdeim Izik group trial, Mr. Samuelsen Said: “The government is aware of the case against the 24 prisoners from Gdeim Izik, and we follow the case via the EU delegation in Morocco, who has been present during the trials.
The Danish government general believe that civilians should be tried at civilian courts.
The Danish Embassy in Rabat participates in visits to Western Sahara together with the other Nordic countries on a regular basis, most recently in February 2017.
Denmark raises questions in regard to human rights also with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rabat.”
With regard to the issue of Crans Montana forum’s third session in occupied Western Sahara, the Danish Minister Said:“Yes, I am familiar with the meeting of the Crans Montana Forum in Dakhla. Neither I nor any other member of the Danish government took part in the meeting. It is generally accepted that the UN supervises the international efforts to achieve a political solution to the Western Sahara conflict. The best way in which Denmark can contribute to a solution is therefore to continue to support the efforts of the UN.” (SPS)
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