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The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all sides involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.