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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's vote was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys backing from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.