DIRECT NEGOCIATIONS A CHALLENGE FOR A PEACE


BY : TAOUFIQ GAZOULIT

The unanimous adoption of the United Nations security council of the 1754 resolution, concerning the future of Western Sahara is seen by western observers as a break-point with the previous reports and resolutions advocated by the UN since 1990. In this respect the newly nominated secretary general of the UN IN Ban Ki-moon in his report to the security council reiterated his call to the parties, including Algeria to accept the principle of direct negotiations, without any preconditions in order to reach a settlement to the over three decade old Sahara conflict, he also quoted his personal envoy's analysis saying that "the security council had consistently made it clear that it would not impose a solution to the question of western Sahara, which had led him to the conclusion that there were only two options: either indefinite prolongation of the impasse, or negotiations without preconditions between the parties aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable political solution. In its 1754 resolution, on Monday, April 30, 2007 the UN Security Council “calls upon the parties to enter into negotiations without preconditions in good faith, taking into account the developments of the last months, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”. It is worth mentioning that the security council in its resolution concerning western Sahara has taken note of the Moroccan proposal presented to the UN secretary general “...and welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution” it is an explicit recognition to the efforts made by Morocco, after long and various consultations with the international community .In fact if we take into account that two proposals were submitted to the UN,members of the security council consider the Moroccan proposal not only the unique ,serious and credible towards a political settlement to the conflict but also a basis for any future potential negotiations, whereas the Polisario proposal did not bring any new elements nor practical alternative to the present deadlock .The 1754 resolution is a consecration of Moroccan endless efforts to overcome the present deadlock concerning the Western Sahara issue, in this respect Morocco managed to gain support of a big number of countries all over the world, most of them are influential within the international community, among others the USA ,France, and Spain which openly congratulated Morocco for the colossal efforts made by proposing and submitting a courageous and revolutionary project entitled "Moroccan initiative for Negotiating an Autonomy Statute for the Sahara region" whereas the Polisario proposal as the UN's secretary general personal envoy for Sahara, Peter Van Walsum described it «it is consistent With Polisario well known positions" he added that self- determination does not have to mean independence. There are many examples in the world where concerned populations chose, following referendum consultations or other, autonomy or total integration" The main strategic aim of the Moroccan proposal is that Sahraouis claims will be satisfied, and Algeria will keep its dignity, provided Morocco remains sovereign over its southern territories. The Moroccan proposal is an answer to the UN Security Council previous resolutions and to the constant international community appeals for a political solution to the Western Sahara issue, as it is a fruit of national and international consultations. The Moroccan young King Mohamed VI supervised closely the process of drawing up such a proposal that guarantees peace, security, and stability in the region of North Africa on one hand, and gives the Western Sahara sufficient autonomy to become effectively self-governing on the other hand. It is in my view and also of the international law experts that the Moroccan proposal is a form of self-determination which does not mean necessarily independence .The UN charter, the ultimate international jurisprudence stipulates that self-determination must take into account the territory integrity and unity, so autonomy remains one of the best solutions for self - determination, this type of substantial autonomy exists in the most highly developed countries across the world The Moroccan Substantial autonomy Plan should be seen by parties concerned as an initiative that achieves the principal of self- determination, through a free, modern and democratic expression regarding the autonomy statute .It is in no doubt in conformity with international legality as well as with international norms, and standards applicable in area of autonomy. Therefore it is wise for all parties concerned, and particularly the Polisario to consider the substantial autonomy proposal as a basis for any future settlement because it aims to come up with a peaceful solution where there is neither a winner nor a loser, and in respect of dignity of all parties. The UN security council is calling upon the parties to enter into negotiations, while Algeria welcomed the UN resolution, and Polisario declared its readiness to negotiate directly the issue with Morocco, the Moroccan Substantial Autonomy Proposal, is widely seen by both members of the UN security council, and the international community as an historical opportunity to the leadership of the Polisario, to negotiate a final settlement .The Moroccan proposal meets international standards, transfers competences, and creates local institutions (legislative and executive) within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty; while leaving room for negotiations. It is notable that autonomy is an advanced form of self-determination. The Moroccan proposal was prepared upon the request of the international community, and it has been a subject to large consultations with sahraouis. IT is wise that all parties concerned including Algeria consider the Moroccan proposal as a basis for any future settlementThe Moroccan plan was conceived to allow for open debate, Morocco remains open to any solution that preserves its territorial integrity, and gives once and for all sahraouis the opportunity to run democratically their local affairs .Morocco is ready to cooperate with other parties, and particularly with Algeria, as well as with the UN general secretary, and his special representative to reach a final and fair solution that is accepted by all parties.
The kingdom of Morocco is willing to participate in a constructive negotiation, and to contribute to its success. In the pursuit of this objective the kingdom of Morocco is relying on the good will of parties concerned in order to create healthy atmosphere, and rebuild trust which is vital to pave the way to achieve a settlement that enables the populations in the refugee camps inside Algeria to finally join their families and that allows Maghreb states to find unity, solidarity, and stability.
The council calls upon direct negociations, which should take place in the nearest future, and would be guaranteed by a report to be submitted to the UN Security Council at the end of June. The question remains: On what basis these negotiations will take place?
Nobody , for the time being is fully aware of the mechanism that would apply for such direct negotiations, particularly that the UN special envoy consultations has started and finished in Algeria, without visiting the other parties concerned , but facts on the ground shows that neither the Polisario front , nor Algiers are willing to put an end to this conflict. Algeria’s strategic goals in terms of Western Sahara issue are neither compatible with the content of the UN Security Council resolution nor with the Moroccan proposal, whereas the present polisario proposal, or at least the leader Mohammed Abdelaziz, and his small entourage would find it difficult to manoeuvre Vis a Vis Algiers.
Morocco is prepared to open negotiations with no preconditions with polisario over the future of the disputed Western Sahara, but the polisario according to various statements made by its leaders agrees to resume talks on the basis of an agreement of a referendum on independence, Its representative at the UN Ahmed boukhari said “talks will go nowhere if Morocco refuses to discuss a referendum on independence” this attitude of the separatist movement not only is in contradiction with the “direct good faith negotiations” urged by the Un security council, but also is not acceptable by Moroccans, or by the international community that advocates a political solution to the conflict.
The polisario leadership should perfectly understand that Western Sahara is an integral part of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the security council resolution (1754) was an endorsement of the Moroccan position, the Moroccan initiative provides a concrete and credible response to the principle of self determination and the opportunity to put an end to 30 years of hardship and family separation
It is no secret that Mohammed Abdelaziz is the Algeria’s man in the conflict; he is leading the polisario with an iron grip entirely supported by the Algerian political and military leadership .This strategic relationship between Abdelaziz and Algiers regime has led during the past few years to deep differences within the front, on one hand between those who have linked their future and destiny with Algiers at the expense of sahraoui refugee wellbeing, and on the other hand those who believe strongly that they are Moroccan sahraoui and therefore the principle of separatism has never been in the heart and soul of their fathers and ancestors throughout the history, and that Algeria is using them to achieve its own geopolitical goals they also see the Moroccan autonomy proposal as a golden opportunity to put an end to a such long conflict.
Although the international community “means business”, and insists to put pressure on parties concerned to achieve a political settlement. The question remains to what extent the Algerians are willing to change their politics towards Morocco, and towards the future of Western Sahara, and allow the moderate leadership of the front to effectively negotiate with Moroccan under the umbrella of the United Nations, and on the basis of the Moroccan substantial autonomy. The answer remains to be heard and seen.