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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.