Messahel welcomes AU resolution calling for rapid settlement of Western Sahara conflict

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), June 18, 2015 (SPS) - Minister for Maghreb Affairs, the African Union and the Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel welcomed Monday in Johannesburg the resolution adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government in which they stressed the need for international efforts for a rapid settlement of Western Sahara conflict.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the 25th session of the AU summit, which closed during the evening from Monday to Tuesday, Messahel said that "the resolution of the summit is a very important decision and is part of assistance and support to African leaders the Saharawi people" to regain its independence.

The AU Heads of State and Government had expressed, in a decision adopted on Monday at their summit in Johannesburg "deep concern" about the "long deadlocked" solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

"This decision is of great importance for the African Union reiterated its support to the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and renewed its support for the AU special envoy for Western Sahara, former president Joaquim Chissano," he said.

He added that the AU Heads of State and Government urged the UN Security Council to "assume its responsibilities" towards the Saharawi question, and the United Nations General Assembly to set a date for the holding of the self-determination referendum for the Saharawi people. SPS