Mister President, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union.
We deeply regret the decision by the Russian Federation to cast a veto on the 30 October on the renewal of MINURSO mandate.
The resolution was rejected at a critical moment for the political process in Western Sahara to move closer towards a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict, consistent with the UN Charter and its principles, including the principle of self-determination.
Latvia, as a member of the Security Council, voted in favour of the resolution submitted by the penholder on the renewal of MINURSO’s mandate to support the momentum created earlier this year by the efforts of the Personal Envoy and the US, and encourage parties to further engage more substantially in the political process.
MINURSO has been a key stabilizing presence in Western Sahara for more than three decades. MINURSO was the only impartial international presence in Western Sahara, monitoring the military situation, reporting independently to the Security Council and helping prevent wider escalation while a political solution is pursued.
We want to express our gratitude to all personnel of MINURSO who have played an essential role in building lasting peace for the people of Western Sahara.
The failure to renew the mission’s mandate and consequential absence of UN presence on the ground creates risk of escalation of this conflict. We call for the parties to cease hostilities, respect the ceasefire and avoid any act that could jeopardize the political dialogue and process.
Mister President,
We wish to make it clear that the Security Council cannot predetermine the solution to the question of Western Sahara.
Our vote in favour of the resolution submitted by the penholder did not constitute recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara or endorsement of the autonomy proposal. We reiterate our longstanding position that any solution must be just, lasting, mutually acceptable, and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the right of self-determination, consistent with the approach repeatedly affirmed by the Security Council.
In conclusion, Mister President,
For more than 50 years the people of Western Sahara have been awaiting the opportunity to meaningfully realize their right for self-determination.
Without the presence of UN mission, it is even more critical now for the parties to seriously and without delay engage in negotiations, build trust between them and put the voices and aspirations of the people of Western Sahara at the centre of the political process in order to reach a just, lasting, a mutually acceptable political solution.
I thank you.