Rabat:The UN Security Council's recent decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso) signifies a pivotal stage in the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This move is seen as bolstering international support for Morocco's autonomy plan, according to Spanish expert Paulino Ros.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ros stated that Minurso's mandate, which has been in place for 35 years, had outlived its purpose, as the UN process had not achieved a definitive resolution to the conflict. He emphasized that the recent developments at the Security Council, including a statement from the Royal Office, underscore the growing international backing for the US draft resolution supporting Morocco's autonomy initiative.

Ros pointed out that the voting outcome, with eleven votes favoring the resolution, demonstrates the international community's resolve to address the Sahara issue through the lens of the Moroccan autonomy plan. He described this as a notable diplomatic victory for Morocco, despite the draft resolution not being adopted. The support within the Security Council is seen as strengthening Morocco's position in ongoing discussions to resolve the longstanding dispute.

Furthermore, Ros highlighted Morocco's diplomatic strides concerning the Sahara issue, indicating that the Kingdom is now a key player in a sustained political and diplomatic movement.