Security Council urges UN mission in Western Sahara to return to full operation

The UN Security Council on Friday urged the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara to return to full functionality.

The 15-nation council voted to adopt a resolution on the mission, with 10 council members voting in favor, Venezuela and Uruguay voting against, while Russia, Angola and New Zealand abstaining.

The resolution decided to extend the mandate of the mission, known as MINURSO, for one year until April 30, 2017 and emphasized "the urgent need for MINURSO to return to full functionality."

Last month, Morocco has requested the downsizing of MINURSO to express its discontent with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's use of the word "occupation" during his visit to the region.

The resolution requested the Secretary-General to brief the council within 90 days on whether the mission has returned to full operation, The effect of the operation will be evaluated.

The adoption of the resolution "reflects the will and resolve of the Security Council to push for a political solution to the question of the Western Sahara and maintain the mandate of MINURSO," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN. China is holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for April.

"We hope the mission will continue to play an important role in implementing Security Council resolutions and stabilizing the situation in Western Sahara," he added.

The UN Security Council established the MINURSO in 1991.

The territory of Western Sahara has been contested by Morocco, Mauritania and the Frente Polisario, supported by Algeria, since colonial power Spain withdrew from it in 1976.

Source: XINHUA