Bourita says Morocco anticipated Russian veto, rules out MINURSO expulsion

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Saturday that Morocco had anticipated Russia’s veto of the US-sponsored Sahara resolution but deliberately chose not to seek changes to the draft, arguing that the resulting diplomatic impasse opened a new phase in the dispute.

Speaking during a special interview broadcast on 2M, Bourita said Morocco had been aware of Moscow’s position before the Security Council vote and had decided against weakening the resolution to secure its adoption.

“We did not ask Russia to reverse its position,” Bourita said, referring to Moscow’s opposition to the American proposal.

He said Morocco had pursued a strategy involving a double veto, ultimately preventing the adoption of either the American or Russian draft resolutions.

“Everyone must bear responsibility for their own actions,” he added.

MINURSO departure will not mean expulsion

Addressing the consequences of MINURSO’s mandate not being renewed, Bourita said Morocco would cooperate with the United Nations to facilitate the mission’s departure rather than forcibly expel its personnel.

He said Rabat would provide the necessary time and logistical assistance for the withdrawal, while maintaining that the mission’s original purpose had become obsolete.

Bourita also distinguished the mission’s departure from Morocco’s commitment to the ceasefire established in 1991.

“Morocco supports the ceasefire and respects it. This has been Morocco’s position since 1991, and it remains so today,” he said.

“This is the commitment of a responsible state. Every state is responsible for its own actions.”

Morocco will not enter the unknown

Asked whether the failure to renew MINURSO’s mandate risked pushing the Sahara dispute into uncharted territory, Bourita dismissed concerns about uncertainty.

“Morocco will never venture into the unknown,” he said, citing confidence in King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

“This is a country with firm principles, leadership and a sense of responsibility.”

He said Moroccans’ confidence in their institutions enabled the country to transform challenges into opportunities.

Bourita also indicated that Morocco’s diplomatic objective extended beyond MINURSO’s departure toward bringing the Sahara dispute to a definitive close within the United Nations framework.

“The train is moving at full speed toward the definitive closure of this issue,” he said.

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