26855 - Comments and notes, regarding the United Nations Security Council’s 621 resolution of 1988

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

During its 2826th meeting which took place on the 20th of September 1988, the United Nations Security Council considered the question entitled: The Western Saharan situation. This specific point is fundamental in order for us to understanding the evolution not only of the conflict the situation, but also its future based on the terms of the resolution.

Its conclusion begins as follows:
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Secretary General of the United Nations in regards to his good services which were conducted jointly with the active President of the Assembly of the Heads of State of the Organization of the African unity in accordance with resolution 40/50 of the General Assembly on the 2th of December 1985, in regards to the resolvation of the Western Saharan issue .

It is interesting to note that the United Nations Security Council, continues to always work jointly with the Organization of the African unity, which in 2002 became the African Union.
This also indicates that a convergent stance of the two institutions is a goal to be sought out for, and that a real strategy towards this direction must be applied.
Note that the agreement in principle, which took place back in August 30th of 1988 by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el Hamra y de Rio de Oro, with the common proposals of the General Secretary and the President of the Council of the Heads of States and the Governments of the Organization of the African unity.

This agreement in principle, which later allowed for the ceasefire, remains important within the context of a diplomatic solution of the conflict, which could be executed directly within the context of the United Nations Security Council, without the need for an institutional mediation.
Amenable in supporting these efforts re: a referendum on the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, organized and controlled by the United Nations in cooperation with the Organization of African unity.
1. It decides to authorize the Secretary General to appoint a special representative for Western Sahara.
This authorization is crucial, as it allows for a direct intervention of the United Nations Security Council, without having to deal with other sources which could be more harmful in the context of the of the games of influence, for reasons which literally speaking have no connection whatsoever with the resolution of the conflict.

2. It requests from the Secretary General, to ASAP provide a report regarding the conduct of a referendum re: the self-determination of the Western Saharan people, and to ensure the United Nations organizing and control of the procedure in cooperation with the Organization of the African unity through the forms of its implementation.
We observe here, the importance of the role of the Secretary General of the United Nations, as well as his will to always be connected with the institution which later became the African Union, in regards to the resolution of the conflict even at a practical context.
This clearly indicates the desire not to opt for misappropriation towards the African continent, so as to allow her the opportunity to participate through the process.
Consequently, it is in this sense and manner that the efforts towards the achievement of those goals should take place.