The UN’s U-turn

Has the UN’s new plan for Western Sahara dropped self-determination?

Jun 28th 2001|

DEPENDING on whether you believe in principle or the art of the possible, the United Nations' new proposal for the future of Western Sahara is either a betrayal or a dogged attempt at a settlement. It suggests that for the next four years Western Sahara should be a part of Morocco that will fly the Moroccan flag and operate under the Moroccan constitution, but at the same time it will be “autonomous”. After four years there may—but only may—be a referendum to decide whether it stays Moroccan or becomes a separate state.

This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “The UN’s U-turn”