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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support to date for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported military operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.