Explanation of Vote by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation concerning Western Sahara

Thank you Mr. President.

We also thank the US as penholder and all Council members for the constructive engagement during negotiations.

President,

Slovenia voted in favour of the Resolution presented today. We did so because of our steadfast support for MINURSO and for the role of the United Nations. We believe that MINURSO is a critical stabilising and monitoring presence, and we welcome that its mandate has been renewed for one year.

We also supported the text as we see there is a need and an opportunity for real progress towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, as we fast approach the fiftieth anniversary of the conflict. We welcome all efforts to bring the parties together, to kick-start this process, which should take place on an equal footing and take into account the positions and proposals of all parties.  

Going forward, we offer our full support to Personal Envoy De Mistura, as well as Special Representative Ivanko, and to all key actors who aim to drive discussions forward and finally deliver peace, stability and prosperity for the region and for its people.

President,

When it comes to the question of Western Sahara, Slovenia’s position remains unchanged. That is – support for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

The right to self-determination, put simply “the freedom to choose for oneself”, is enshrined in the UN Charter. It is a right that cannot be taken from any people, not by the Security Council, and not by Member States. We welcome that this right is clearly recognised and guaranteed in today’s Resolution.

We are also clear that we do not interpret the text adopted today as taking any decision regarding the question of sovereignty. My delegation continues to view Western Sahara as a “non-self-governing territory”.

President,

We had hoped that this renewal could achieve consensus, thus setting up future talks for the best possible success. We appreciate that throughout the course of negotiations the text continued to evolve and to improve, and that some concerns were accommodated, albeit in the end not to the extent that it reflected the totality of members’ positions. While a consensual adoption has not been the case, we hope in earnest that progress on the political track can still be achieved.

We encourage all parties to engage in good faith and with open minds, and to put forward all ideas and suggestions to support a final, mutually acceptable solution.

I thank you.

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