Stockholm, September 19, 2016 (SPS) – Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström has indicated that her government is very concerned about, and follows carefully the tense situation prevailing in the buffer zone of Guerguerat, southwestern Western Sahara.
In a response to a question by Lotta Johnsson Fornarve , on the position of her government regarding the recent violation of the ceasefire by the Moroccan party in the buffer zone of Guerguerat, Ms Wallström expressed support to the UN Secretary General's call on both parties to urgently cease activities that risk increasing the tensions.
She also expressed agreement in the UN Security Council call for MINURSO to as soon as possible be allowed to return to full functionality in Western Sahara and welcomed the agreement reached between the UN and Morocco and the gradual return which has been initiated by MINURSO staff.
Ms Wallström reiterated Swedish government’s support to the UN efforts aimed at finding a just and mutually acceptable negotiated solution in which the right of the Saharawis to self determination is satisfied.
She reaffirmed the will, as a member of the UN Security Council 2017-2018, to contribute to this important work to facilitate a negotiated solution, renewing commitment in this issue by increasing humanitarian assistance and closer contacts with the parties. (SPS)
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