Luanda: Angola reaffirmed on Tuesday, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, its support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of this organization and the African Union.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the position was expressed by the Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, Ambassador Francisco Jose da Cruz, during the plenary meeting of the Special Committee on the Situation Concerning the Implementation of the Declaration of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (C-24): 'Case of Western Sahara'. The Angolan diplomat stressed that the country remains firmly 'opposed to colonialism in all its forms and manifestations', in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and International Law.
Jose da Cruz recalled that Western Sahara remains a Non-Self-Governing Territory on the United Nations list and that its final status remains undefined. The diplomat highlighted the importance of seeking a realistic, pragmatic, and mutually acceptable political solution that contributes to regional stability, promotes reconciliation, and addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties within the framework of the UN-led political process, under the auspices of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
The diplomat encouraged all parties to participate in good faith in the negotiations and demonstrate the necessary political will to achieve a just and lasting solution, considering constructive commitment essential to moving towards a sustainable solution that upholds the principle of self-determination. He said Angola supports measures that promote mutual trust and create conditions conducive to dialogue, as well as encouraging continued humanitarian engagement and people-to-people contacts that foster mutual understanding.
Ambassador Francisco Jos© da Cruz called for continued cooperation with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), including full, safe, and unhindered access to its areas of operation, to ensure that it effectively implements its mandate. He also expressed support for the Committee's consideration of a structured and consultative visit mission to improve understanding of the situation on the ground and support the political process, underlining the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in promoting a peaceful, negotiated and lasting solution.
In conclusion, Ambassador Francisco Jos© da Cruz welcomed the renewal of MINURSO's mandate and reaffirmed Angola's support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, maintaining a commitment to a balanced, principled and constructive approach that respects international law, supports self-determination and contributes to peace, stability and regional cooperation.
