Morocco explains its vote for a UN resolution asking Russia to leave Ukraine

Morocco voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution last week breaking away with its previous abstentions. Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said the vote was in favor of the UN charter and in support of the territorial integrity of UN member states as well as in support of the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Speaking at a presser following talks with Secretary-General of Austria’s foreign ministry Peter Launsky, Bourita said that Morocco as a member of the international community views the conflict in Ukraine as an issue that affects global peace and security.

Morocco “has never participated and will never participate under whatever form in this conflict,” said Bourita in response to allegations spread by some media claiming that Morocco provided weapons to Ukraine.

“Every time there is a vote at the UN or its specialized agencies, Morocco abstains unless the vote is for a resolution that deals with the principles of the UN Charter,” said Bourita.

In the wake of the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war, Morocco had expressed in March 2022 its strong attachment to the full respect of the territorial integrity of UN member states and urged the settlements of disputes by peaceful means, according to the principles of international law.

The Austrian official was part of a delegation led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer on a visit to Rabat at the end of which a joint statement was issued voicing Vienna’s support for the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan for the Sahara.

As the two countries celebrate the 240th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Austria joins some 10 EU member states that now consider the autonomy plan as a basis to find a political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.