28 April 2017 - MINURSO: the newly found unity of the Security Council [fr]
MINURSO
Explanation of vote by Mr. François Delattre, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations
Security Council - 28 April 2017
France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2351and is happy to see that the Council has found unity on this matter. We thank the United States for its efforts as penholder, which helped bring the members of the Security Council together.
The text we have adopted today has extended the mandate of the MINURSO for one year. I would like to pay tribute to the excellent work that MINURSO undertakes in an unstable security context. As soon as it is fully functional again, which we welcome, it is important that it have the necessary resources to tackle the challenges on the ground.
The negotiations also served to resolve the crisis in Guerguerat following the withdrawal of the Polisario Front, which has just been confirmed by MINURSO.
The joint efforts of the Secretary-General, who called for a withdrawal from the buffer strip on 25 February, and of the Council have produced desired results. We pleased about the fact that we can turn the page on this crisis. It is important that the ceasefire be upheld now in all circumstances and in a lasting manner.
I take this opportunity to thank the Personal Envoy Mr. Christopher Ross for his engagement and efforts.
Finally, the resolution clearly demonstrates the importance of relaunching the political process. The Council’s support for the resumption of the political process was unambiguously expressed in terms of a new positive dynamism, which is already visible thanks to the Secretary-General, whose personal dedication I would like to pay tribute to once again. His outstanding report has set the tone. The goal of a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution — one which is guided by the United Nations and is in line with relevant Security Council resolutions — is not unattainable. The role of neighbouring countries will be crucial, as emphasized by this resolution.
France continues to see the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 as a credible and serious basis for a negotiated solution. The resolution of the conflict will allow for a return of security, stability and economic prosperity in the region. We reiterate our full support for the work of the United Nations and MINURSO.
It is France’s hope that the unanimous adoption of the resolution will allow us to be resolutely forward looking in order to promote the current political trends and begin together a new chapter in the history of the region that would benefit everyone.