Intervention by Ambassador Joaquín Pérez, Alternate Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations
during the Annual Session of the UN Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (C-24)
“Question of Western Sahara”.
New York, 13 June 2023
Madam Chairperson,
1. The support of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the cause of decolonisation has been firm and unwavering throughout history. In the case of the Western Sahara Question, our position has been coherent and consistent, especially since 1983, fifty (50) years ago now, when we established diplomatic relations with the sister Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
2. In this context, we reaffirm today our unwavering solidarity and our firm support for the brotherly Saharawi people in their struggle to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with the provisions of international law and the United Nations Charter, and ratified in numerous resolutions of both the Security Council and the General Assembly of our Organisation, as well as those of the African Union.
Madam President,
3. We regret that even today the heroic Saharawi people are still prevented from deciding on their legitimate national aspirations, or from freely exercising their right to self-determination, inter alia, because of the total disregard for the mandate
entrusted to MINURSO more than thirty (30) years ago. We reject, furthermore, the attempts by some States to pretend to consider this issue as one distinct from a clear question of decolonisation.
4. In this context, we reaffirm the imperative need to reactivate, as soon as possible, the political process in Western Sahara, through direct negotiations between the parties, under the auspices of the United Nations, and for which it is necessary, on the one hand, to preserve the ceasefire established in 1991, and, on the other hand, to avoid any action that has the potential to increase tensions, destabilise the situation on the ground, hinder the achievement of the necessary conditions for progress in this direction, or even undermine regional peace, security and stability.
5. Hence, in line with our Bolivarian Diplomacy for Peace, we firmly support all efforts that can bring us closer to achieving a peaceful, just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to this issue. It is vital, in our opinion, to preserve a political horizon that allows us to alleviate without further delay the suffering and frustration of the heroic Saharawi people, which has lasted for more than half a century.
Madam President,
6. We also take this opportunity to call once again on the parties to make substantive progress towards a political solution, by peaceful means, and to work hard to meet the urgent economic, social and humanitarian needs of the Saharawi people, especially today in a context still marked by a multifaceted global crisis. We must therefore keep our word and ensure that no one is left behind, including the noble Saharawi people, whose full enjoyment and enjoyment of their human rights, including the right to be masters of their own destiny, remains curtailed today.
7. Finally, from Venezuela, in this Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, we hope that this Special Committee will succeed in urgently agree on initiatives that can support the diplomatic efforts underway to bring the parties together and thus make progress at the political level, with a view to the full realisation of the inalienable rights and legitimate national aspirations of the brotherly Saharawi people, in accordance with the provisions of resolution 1514 (XV) of the United Nations General Assembly.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
