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

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While Friday's vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the UN security operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since frequently reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.