Ban Ki-Moon calls on Algeria to open borders with Morocco

"For the interest of the region and the international community," Ban Ki-moon diligently urged the Algerian government to open the borders with Morocco and to understand the interest in the world of a just, lasting, equitable and mutually acceptable solution for the Sahara.

"The rise of instability and insecurity in and around the Sahel region requires the urgent resolution of this protracted conflict," said the Secretary-General's latest report on the Sahara released on Monday afternoon New York.

 MINURSO IN DANGER

Ban Ki-moon calls on Algeria to open borders with Morocco

In this report, the Secretary-General expressed his "great concern" about the safety of MINURSO personnel, stressing that "operations underway in northern Mali, may threaten the region long-term.”

He has, in this context, explained the continued suspension of night patrols MINURSO, because they may be exposed to great danger, particularly because of the "possible infiltration of armed elements and gaps of coordination in the regional security. "

 

The UN chief stressed the kidnapping in Tindouf camps of three European humanitarian in October 2011 and the 2012 recall of 17 aid workers operating in the camps.

All governments consulted during the visit of his Personal Envoy, Christopher Ross, in the region have expressed "serious concerns about the risk posed by the ongoing fighting in Mali on the region and their contribution to the radicalisation of populations in the Tindouf camps "he said.

"The time has come for the parties to move forward towards a solution supported and encouraged by the international community," pleaded Ban Ki-moon, calling on "the parties to engage in meaningful negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted too long. "

However, he lamented, during the period under review, "the difficulties continued to hamper progress towards a lasting political solution which is fair and mutually acceptable", regretting the absence of "advance in the heart of the matter," each sticking to "its respective position."

"The persistence of this conflict is an obstacle to the integration of the Maghreb, which is now more necessary than ever to face the common challenges of instability and insecurity in the region," he added .

He has emphasised that his Personal Envoy will continue to encourage the "development of relations between Morocco and Algeria," urging Algeria "to redouble their efforts to take advantage of better relations and open borders the interest of the region and the international community as a whole. "

Christopher Ross will redouble efforts "to encourage Algeria and Morocco to further develop their bilateral relations on the basis of ministerial visits and priority areas previously identified by the King and the President."

And insist on "the critical importance of addressing the issue of Sahara in the context of a broader strategy for the Sahel", arguing that the conflict is "primarily a North African conflict."

Therefore, for Ban Ki-moon, a "regional integration through the strengthening of the Maghreb Union, is a key to overcoming the current instability and reap the economic, commercial and social benefits."

He said he was "confident that progress in this area will help to improve trust between the parties and to create the conditions for a solution to the Sahara issue."

 CENSUS OF TINDOUF DETAINEES

Ban Ki-moon called on Algeria to open borders with Morocco.Regarding the census, he stressed that "virtue of the recommendations contained in my report of 5 April and the last resolution of the UN Security Council resolution 2044 asking the UNHCR to maintain the examing for registration of camp residents, in line with its mandate and principles, the Office continues to pursue its dialogue with Algeria, as stipulated in resolution 2044 (2012). "

Addressing the issue of human rights, Ban Ki-Moon spoke about the royal speech of 6 November 2012 in which King Mohammed VI called for "a strong involvement of the international community to end the tragedy endured by our children in Tindouf in the Algerian territory, which is rampant in all their cruelty, repression, coercion, deprivation and despair, in flagrant violation of the most basic human rights. "

Ban Ki-moon noted, in this sense, "Morocco's cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and was encouraged by the recent recommendations of the National Council for Human Rights endorsed by the Kingdom. "

In this regard, Ban Ki-moon has called for "positive development and the creation of the CNDH in its regiona rolel" and stressed that "the Moroccan authorities have facilitated access to special procedures of the United Nations."

In the same vein, Ban Ki-moon acknowledged "Morocco's efforts to improve social conditions in the Sahara region and noted the new regional development strategy undertaken by the EESC in the southern provinces."

Referring to the CBMs, he welcomed the extension of the exchange program during which it was multiplied by three the number of beneficiaries. He likewise welcomed the holding of seminars on culture.

On another note, he noted continued progress in demining.

In conclusion, the Secretary-General recommended that the Security Council extend the mandate of 12 months of MINURSO.