"Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only basis for achieving a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution" to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, emphasized France's ambassador to the UN Jérome Bonnafont, following the adoption on Friday of Security Council Resolution 2797 on Moroccan Sahara.

In this regard, the ambassador noted that "a growing international consensus is emerging in this direction," stressing the importance of the Security Council seizing on this momentum, as it is now doing with this resolution. “This is a collective success,” he said in his explanation of vote.

He underlined that France believes that a mutually acceptable political solution is possible. "The political momentum is there, and now is the time to move forward. For this reason, the personal Envoy is called upon to bridge the parties very soon with a view to reaching a final resolution of the conflict. We renew our full support for him."

The French ambassador also noted that through this resolution, the Security Council is adopting "a new approach which, under the auspices of the United Nations and abiding by the principles of the Charter, will allow the parties to engage in a renewed effort towards peace. We urge them to seize this opportunity resolutely."

He further believes that thanks to this resolution, MINURSO would be able to continue playing "a key role in the stability of the region," pointing out that on the ground, France was calling for "a cessation of hostilities and full respect for the ceasefire, because we must not forget the risks to that conflict poses to the populations."

"This resolution outlines a horizon of peace. Let us support the Personal Envoy and the parties so that, with courage and determination, they may jointly launch negotiations that will put an end to a conflict that has lasted far too long, for the benefit of the populations and countries of the region," concluded the French ambassador.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS