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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

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

The measure calls on all sides involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.