Algerian Radio
The Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, Ambassador Amar Bendjama, affirmed that Algeria will remain determined to support all sincere efforts aimed at reaching a just and final solution to the Western Sahara issue, ensuring its people the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination.
In his intervention at the substantive session of the Special Committee on Decolonization (Committee of 24), Mr. Bendjama highlighted that the Western Sahara issue—the last African colony, which has been listed on this Committee's agenda since 1963—will remain on the agenda as long as the people of Western Sahara are unable to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.
He stated that Algeria's position on this matter "has not changed and will continue to fall under strict respect for international law and relevant United Nations resolutions," noting that "the fundamental criteria governing the issue of decolonization are clear, but we must reiterate them once again."
In this regard, he pointed out that "legal references, and indeed international jurisprudence, confirm the status of Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory and enshrine the right of its people to self-determination, settling this issue beyond any shadow of a doubt."
Regarding the latest developments, the speaker added, "Algeria, like sisterly Mauritania, has responded positively to the invitation to participate in the ongoing political processes in its capacity as a neighboring state and an observer state." He recalled that Algeria "has continuously called for direct negotiations between the two concerned parties (Morocco and the Polisario Front), as well as supporting the efforts of the UN Secretaries-General and their Personal Envoys."
The speaker noted that Algeria "welcomed the holding of these direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front under the auspices of the United Nations and the United States of America," reaffirming that Algeria "will remain determined to support all sincere efforts aimed at reaching a just, sustainable, and final solution that guarantees the people of Western Sahara the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination."
The Permanent Representative of Algeria to the UN added that "the resumption of direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front is a good sign but is not an end in itself, because these two disputing parties have met in the past at the negotiating table without reaching a final solution to the conflict."
He highlighted that "the goal this time will lie in integrating the current political process into a dynamic of trust, in good faith and with a sincere commitment—a dynamic based on respect for international law, democracy, and relevant United Nations resolutions." He warned that "the persistence and exacerbation of rhetoric, the fait accompli, preconditions, and contempt for the other will only lead to increased frustration and will only drive the political process into a dead end."
