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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.