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The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the region, which additionally has backing from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes independence as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 countries in deciding in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.