"The UN security council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting Morocco's claim to the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria. Although Friday's vote was divided, the resolution offers the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to keep sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African allies. The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation."
"As with similar resolutions in previous years, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which is the solution long favoured by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies, including Algeria, Russia and China. Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado that was under Spanish rule until 1975."
UN Security Council approved a US-backed resolution supporting Morocco's claim to Western Sahara and describing Morocco's autonomy plan as a basis for negotiation. The resolution received 11 votes in favour, with Russia, China and Pakistan abstaining and Algeria opposing. The text omits a referendum on self-determination that includes independence, the option preferred by the Polisario Front and its allies. Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich coastal desert the size of Colorado, formerly under Spanish rule until 1975, claimed by Morocco and the Polisario Front operating from refugee camps in south-western Algeria. The resolution renews the UN peacekeeping mission for another year.
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