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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 1

Written Answers. - UN Plan for Western Sahara.

Michael Bell

Question:

72 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether, following the ceasefire in the Western Sahara on 6 September 1991 as per the UN Resolution, his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is alleged that Morocco has been transporting its people in large numbers to take up occupation in the Moroccan held area of the Western Sahara; his views on whether this would constitute a serious breach of the UN Resolution and the support given by the international community; if he has any plans to raise this matter with his EC colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

We are aware of the fact that many Moroccans have been settling in the Western Sahara. The United Nations is expected to publish shortly the criteria to be used in establishing the final electoral register for the referendum there. It is these criteria, rather than the number of Moroccans or other persons now settling in the Western Sahara, which will determine the electoral register and are crucial to ensuring that the referendum will be conducted on a fair basis.

Ireland is one of the troop contributing countries to the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO. Together with our EC partners, Ireland is committed to supporting the UN Secretary General and his Special Representative in their efforts to implement in full the provisions of the UN Plan for the Western Sahara.
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