The United Nations Security Council in a divisive vote on Friday extended for a year its peacekeeping mission in disputed Western Sahara and demanded urgent restoration of its full functionality after Morocco expelled international civilian staff, Euronews reported.

Rabat’s retaliation against the mission, known as MINURSO, came after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon referred to Morocco’s 1975 annexation of Western Sahara after colonial power Spain’s withdrawal as an “occupation.” The UN has said the expulsions have crippled the mission

The US-drafted resolution asked Ban to report back within 90 days on whether the mission’s functionality had been restored. It does not threaten any punitive measures against Morocco if the mission remains understaffed.

Several council members said the resolution should have gone further in demanding the restoration of MINURSO’s full strength.

Highlighting the disappointment at its contents, the text received 10 yes votes, just one more than the required minimum, along with two against and three abstentions. Venezuela and Uruguay opposed it, while Russia, New Zealand and Angola abstained.

Source : MENA