New York, October 8, 2016 (SPS) - The Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations Dr. Wouter H. Zaayman has reiterated support to Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination and independence, at the UN Special Political and Decolonization Committee.
“South Africa reiterates its continued support and unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of the Saharawi Republic in its struggle to attain their right to self-determination in honour of the goals and dreams of the late Mohamed Abdelaziz,” said Dr. Wouter H. Zaayman in his speech before the UN 4th Committee.
“It remains a matter of serious concern that Western Sahara is the last colony on the African continent, listed as a Non-Self-Governing territory by the United Nations. This is despite the fact that the General Assembly has consistently recognized the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and independence, and called for the exercise of that right in accordance with General Assembly resolution.”
“South Africa calls upon the UN to expediously implement various UN decisions to actualize without further delay the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.”
“The liberation of the Sahrawi people remains a priority for Africa. Statements and decisions by the African Peace and Security Council as well as the AU Heads of State Summits have consistently declared that without the successful resolution of the situation, tensions in the territory will remain and efforts to promote integration in the Maghreb region will be futile. References by the African Union also include calls for the respect of human rights and the halting of the illegal exploitation of the Territory's natural resources.”
“We call upon the UN Security Council and UN Member States at large to defend the UN Secretary General and UN personnel when discharging their duties on behalf of all of us, especially when they promote peace.”
“As regards to the political process, we appreciate the efforts of the UN through the actions of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Mr. Christopher Ross. We are very concerned that efforts by Mr Ross to travel to the region since May 2016 are continuously being frustrated in particular by the Moroccan authorities. The fact that Mr Ross is not able to visit the region will impact negatively on the briefing by the Personal Envoy to the Security Council which is scheduled for October 2016, as well as on the Secretary-General's report scheduled for March 2017.”
“We are also deeply concerned about reports of violations of the ceasefire agreement in the Al Guerguerat area and call upon all the parties to adhere to their obligations and to prevent the escalation of tensions in the area.”
“ we urge the UN Secretary-General and the UN not to allow the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism to pass without the people of Western Sahara enjoying their inalienable right to self-determination. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we no longer remain indifferent to the plight of those who seek to enjoy the same freedoms that we enjoy today,” added the Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the United. (SPS)
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