Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution Friday that would have ended the United Nations’ 35-year peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, according to a report by the Associated Press. The resolution, supported by the United States, aimed to recognize Morocco’s claim over the territory and conclude the mission tasked with overseeing a referendum on self-determination.
The United Nations Security Council voted on the resolution, which sought to transfer responsibility for the region from the UN to Moroccan authorities. The mission, established in 1991, has been overseeing the implementation of a UN-backed peace plan that includes a referendum on the status of Western Sahara. Russia’s veto prevented the resolution from passing, maintaining the UN’s involvement in the region.
Western Sahara remains a disputed territory, with Morocco administering the area while the Polisario Front, a separatist group, claims sovereignty. The UN has been mediating the conflict since the 1990s, though progress has been slow. The resolution would have marked a significant shift in the international stance on the issue, aligning with Morocco’s position. The veto highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Russia and the U.S. Taking opposing stances on the matter.
