EU supports efforts for lasting solution to Western Sahara conflict

High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini said Sunday in Algiers the EU position regarding Western Sahara issue has not changed and “strongly supports” the UN efforts to achieve a political just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution which guarantees self-determination to the Sahrawi people.
“Our position like or policy concerning Western Sahara remains a position of strong support to the efforts of the UN General Secretary in order to achieving a political just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution which guarantees self-determination to the Sahrawi people, under the UN Resolutions,” Mogherini told a news conference jointly held with State Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra.
Asked whether Brussels would apply the European Court of Justice Ruling on 21 December 2016, which excluded Western Sahara territories from the Association Agreement and Free Trade Agreement between Morocco and the bloc, Mogherini said that “the EU was in the phase of the technical exploration of the Agreement and the essence of its position doesn’t change concerning Western Sahara question.”
The EU Foreign Policy Chief announced the EU willingness to work with the future envoy of the UN secretary general for Western Sahara.