New York, October 12, 2014 (SPS) - Members of the Algerian National Committee of Solidarity with the Saharawi people (CNASPS) expressed in New York, before the 4th Committee (Decolonization Committee) their support to the cause of the Saharawi people, highlighting the need to hold a referendum on self-determination in this last colony in Africa.
The President of CNASPS and head of delegation, Dr Said Ayachi, condemned before the members of this committee the objective of the Moroccan administration of occupation to impose in the occupied territories of Western Sahara an "organized and continuous terror in order to intimidate the Saharawi population. "
In this context, he detailed with precision every aspect of these violations of human rights, recalling the confidence placed in the United Nations by the Sahrawis who have been waiting for 22 years to organize a referendum on self-determination which they are absolutely entitled to and in respect of which the United Nations is engaged in the signing of the cease-fire in September 1991.
For his part, Ms. Hassiba Boulmerka recalled the "central" role played by Saharawi women and her "decisive" contribution in the organization of peaceful resistance to the Moroccan occupation citing the the example of Sahrawi Heroine Aminetou Haidar.
For his part, Ali Sahel mentioned the "intolerable" situation of the Saharawi youth who begin "losing patience with the lack of initiative" of the United Nations and in the face of the Moroccan "dilatory" maneuvers.
Professor Mhand Berkouk, for his part, stressed in his speech the need to respond "quickly" and "practically" to "legitimate" demand of Sahrawis so they can exercise their legal right to self-determination through a free and fair referendum under UN supervision.
He drew attention to the risk of regional destabilization if Morocco persists in its denial of international law and its application without reservation.
Professor Ismail Debeche, meanwhile, addressed the conflict in Western Sahara as a factor of "disruption" and "interference" in inter Maghreb and international relations.
According to him, only a return to international legality would provide the opportunity to close in Africa the "chapter of colonization and the serious possibility of building new sub-regional relations based on international law and mutual respect."
For his part, Abdelhakim Bettache strongly denounced the "unwillingness" of Morocco to seek a mutually acceptable solution as recommended by the international community, throgh a referendum on self-determination for the Saharawi people.
Mr. Bettache also denounced violations of human rights in Western and systematic looting by Morocco of Saharawi natural resources. (SPS)
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