Russia urges political solution for Sahara

Russia has urged a halt of hostilities in the Sahara and stressed on the need for a political solution, after the Algeria-backed Polisario announced unilaterally that it will continue to violate a UN-brokered ceasefire.

The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have carried out an operation to clear Morocco’s only road link with the rest of Africa in an operation that took place according to strict rules of engagement to avoid civilians and restrict use of arms to self-defense.

Morocco has reiterated its attachment to the ceasefire and announced as early as last Saturday that the road link previously ransacked by the Polisario militiamen is now secure for traffic between Morocco and Mauritania.

In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry called on all parties concerned to end hostilities and ease the tensions.

Russia also reiterated its position in favor of a settlement of the Sahara issue “only through political and diplomatic means and on the basis of the international law.”

The Russian statement was released following talks between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Russian Peer Sergey Lavrov.

The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and the holding of the 8th Intergovernmental Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.