Algiers, Feb 3, 2013 (SPS) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Salek welcomed Sunday in Algiers the decision taken at the recent African summit in designating the African Union Commission to take all measures for the holding of a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara, expressing readiness of the Saharawi government to contribute to the realization of this endeavour.
In a press conference at the SADR embassy in Algiers, Mr. Ould Salek described the decision as the “historic and important event”, noting that such decision is an indication to the commitment by the United Nations and African Union to conduct a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara.
“After long years of negotiations, it is obvious today that the procrastination and intransigence of Morocco is behind the failure of all the initiatives and attempts by the United Nations to find a solution to the conflict of Western Sahara,” said Saharawi FM, stressing that the exercise by the Saharawi people to self-determination “is the only solution adhered by Africa and the world.”
On other hand, he condemned Morocco’s willingness to bring 24 Saharawi activists before a military trail, stressing that such step is clear evidence that Morocco is occupier country and has no legal status in occupied Western Sahara”.
In this regard, Minister Ould Salek has called on the international community to exercise pressure on Morocco to release all Saharawi political prisoners including group of Gdeim Izik as well as to end the flagrant violations of human rights in occupied Western Sahara. (SPS)
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