Written answers
Thursday, 16 June 2022
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Foreign Conflicts
Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
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269. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland’s position on the situation in western Sahara particularly with regard to a breach of a sentence in article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention by Morocco (details supplied); the response of Ireland and the European Union to decisions made by the United States of America in 2019 and by Spain in 2022 to recognise de-facto the Moroccan annexation of western Sahara as legitimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31467/22]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. The UN path is, in our view, the only path forward.
During the United Nations Security Council consultations on Western Sahara on 21 April 2022, Ireland made clear its longstanding position and urged de-escalation. Ireland has consistently called on all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 1991, to fulfil their obligations under international law, including ensuring full respect for human rights, and to refrain from taking any actions that could lead to further destabilisation of the situation on the ground. During the upcoming MINURSO mandate renewal process, Ireland will continue to promote our support of MINURSO, as well as our respect for human rights, accountability and compliance with international law.
On 13 May, I met with the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares Bueno. During discussions, I raised the issue of Western Sahara and Spain’s recent decision to support the Moroccan autonomy plan. Throughout my discussion with Minister Albares, I reiterated Ireland’s position of full support of MINURSO.
Ireland fully supports the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2602 on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. We do not have a view on the outcome of that decision so long as it is decided peacefully and in a genuine exercise of self-determination.
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