Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

24.6.2016

The EU supports the UN Secretary-General's ongoing efforts to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the UN.

The UNSC resolution 2285 adopted on 29 April 2016, recognises the important role played by Minurso on the ground and the need for it to fully implement its mandate. The EU shares this position and supports the ongoing efforts of the UNSG and the UNSC.

On the recent developments regarding the civilian component of the Minurso, in its Resolution 2285, the UNSC requests the SG to brief the Council within 90 days on whether Minurso has returned to full functionality and expresses its intention, if this is not the case, to consider how best to facilitate achievement of this goal. This important issue is to be dealt by the UNSC which ‘decided to remain seized of this matter’ (para 15 of Resolution 2285).