London, March 20, 2014 (SPS) - A meeting between the Saharawi officials and representatives of the oil companies that have signed agreements with the Saharawi Republic (SADR) took place yesterday, Wednesday, in London.
The delegation was headed by Mr. Emhamed Khadad, member of the Polisario Front’s National Secretariat and cmprised of Mr. Kamal Fadel, Polisario Front’s Representative to Australia.
The purpose of the meeting was to re-examine the relationship between SADR and the companies, as to assess the latest developments of the issue of Western Sahara and to plan for future activities.
During the meeting, Mr. Khadad provided a detailed briefing about the latest developments of the Saharawi issue and the efforts of undertaken by the UN to resolve the last decolonisation issue in Africa.
The meeting discussed the activities carried out by the international oil firms in the territory and the intended illegal drilling offshore Western Saha.
The delegation informed its partners of their great concern about the activities of Kosmos, Cairn and Atwood in Western Sahara and how those illegal activities could further complicate and delay the resolution of the conflict.
Representatives of the oil companies reiterated their commitment to continue to work with the the Saharawi Republic (SADR) for the exploration of Saharawi natural resources.
On 17th May 2005, the SADR government announced the commencement of an Oil and Gas licensing round. The licensing initiative was arranged in accordance with industry standards and the principles of international law, including general UN guidelines and, in particular, with the specific UN legal opinion regarding commercial activities in Western Sahara (12 February 2002).
Following a competitive bidding round and subsequent discussions with successful applicants, the Saharawi Government formally announced on 23 March 2006 that it has entered into 9 separate agreements with international oil and gas companies to participate in the exploration of its sovereign territory.
On 18th March this year, it announced that it has awarded the Bir Lahlou Block to the UK-based Red Rio Petroleum.
SADR relationship with oil companies is part of a strategy to build a prosper, stable and viable Saharawi state to enable the Saharawi people to enjoy their natural resources and also to contribute to the well-being of the entire Maghreb region.(SPS)
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