UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
(asked on 15th November 2021) - View Source
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the UN Security Council's decision on 29 October to extend the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara until 31 October 2022, what representations they have made to the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy regarding his role in (1) de-escalating tensions in the region, and (2) working towards a political solution for the region over the next 12 months.
Answered by
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 29th November 2021
The UK supports UN-led efforts to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We have regular discussions with the UN, both in New York and in the region, as well as with the parties regarding the situation in Western Sahara. We welcome the appointment of Staffan de Mistura as Personal Envoy to Western Sahara and UK senior officials have met with him in New York. We encourage the parties, neighbouring states, and international partners to make the most of this opportunity for a renewed political process, including a return to a ceasefire.
The UK supports UN-led efforts to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We have regular discussions with the UN, both in New York and in the region, as well as with the parties regarding the situation in Western Sahara. We welcome the appointment of Staffan de Mistura as Personal Envoy to Western Sahara and UK senior officials have met with him in New York. We encourage the parties, neighbouring states, and international partners to make the most of this opportunity for a renewed political process, including a return to a ceasefire.