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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

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

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.