Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm that the Government retains its commitment to the right of self-determination of the Saharawi people; if the Government of Morocco has made further progress on the future of the region, a proposal which it is committed to preparing; if Ireland at a UN and international level has had input on the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18676/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has consistently supported, and remains fully committed to, the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. Ireland continues to be active on the issue in discussions at EU level and at the United Nations. The Government strongly supports the continuing engagement of the UN in the search for a political solution in the Western Sahara based on the principle of self-determination.

Following detailed internal consultations, the Government of Morocco has recently brought forward its proposals for the future of the Western Sahara. These set out in general terms a vision of an autonomous Government in the Territory, operating under Moroccan sovereignty. In response the Polisario Front, representing the Saharawi people, has set out its position in favour of the creation of an independent State in close association with Morocco, and with protection for Moroccan vital interests.

Although there is clearly a broad gap between these two competing visions, I regard it as a positive and helpful development that both parties have set out their proposals for the future, and the measures they can envisage to accommodate the concerns of the other side. Ireland has not taken a position on the future of the Territory, be it full independence, autonomy, or integration under Moroccan sovereignty. The important point is that the status of the Territory should be decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination by the people of the Western Sahara.

I am encouraged that, following the publication of the two sets of proposals, representatives of Morocco and the Polisario Front met in New York on 18 June, under the auspices of the United Nations. This was an initial contact, but it undoubtedly represents a positive development following a period of political stalemate. We will continue to encourage the engagement of the parties and the involvement of the UN, including the Personal Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Van Walsum, with the objective of a just and lasting political settlement for the people of the Western Sahara.