VP/HR — Expulsion of the Minurso mission

7.4.2016

Question for written answer E-002824-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Miguel Viegas (GUE/NGL)

United Nations staff working at the Minurso mission in Western Sahara received an expulsion order from the Moroccan authorities on 20 March 2016. Morocco has been illegally occupying the territory since 1975. The decision was taken following UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s visit to the region, when he used the word ‘occupation’ to describe the situation. This decision may jeopardise the ceasefire that has been in force since 1991, when Morocco gave a commitment to organise a referendum, although such a referendum has never been held.

What is the High Representative's assessment of this case? What consequences will this further illegal action have for the various agreements in place between Morocco and the EU?