On the draft resolution presented by the USA
Thank you, Madam President.
Latvia voted in favour of this resolution to extend the mandate of MINURSO, which has been a key stabilizing presence in Western Sahara for more than three decades.
We regret Russia's decision to cast a veto and that the resolution was consequently rejected at a critical moment for the political process.
We appreciate the efforts of the United States as penholder to advance a resolution on this long-standing conflict. We thank them for their engagement throughout the negotiations, addressing and accommodating some of the concerns of the Council members, thus leading to a more balanced text that better reflects the complexity of the conflict.
Adopting this resolution would have ensured continuation of the momentum generated by resolution 2797.
Members of the Security Council hold differing views on the autonomy proposal and the parameters of the future political solution, and we wish to make it clear that our vote in favor of this resolution did not constitute recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara or endorsement of the autonomy proposal as the predetermined outcome of the political process, and we reiterate our longstanding position that any solution must be just, lasting, mutually acceptable, and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the right of self-determination, consistent with the approach repeatedly affirmed by the Security Council.
As a country whose own history is closely linked to the exercise of self-determination, we believe that the voices and aspirations of the people of Western Sahara should remain central to the political process.
Madam President,
Through this resolution, the UN Security Council would have outlined a way forward. to renew momentum in this political process. The current outcome undermines the process and puts at risk the continuity of the mission at a time when its presence on the ground remains essential.
I thank you.
On the draft resolution presented by the Russian Federation
Thank you, Madam President.
Latvia abstained on the resolution submitted by the Russian Federation.
While, we support the mission to continue its mandate and recognize its key role in maintaining stability in the region, we abstained following the obstructive rejection of the draft resolution by Russia.
The resolution proposed by the United States was a result of constructive engagement among the member states. reflecting the complexity of the conflict and providing impetus for the parties to engage and work towards a solution that is just, lasting, mutually acceptable, and in accordance with the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter.
Considering the outcome of both rounds today, the Security Council must explore further possible steps to take in order to ensure the continuation of the mission's mandate. We cannot afford to halt the mission's important work. The absence of UN presence on the ground would create a vacuum, risking dangerous further escalation of this conflict. And we further reiterate that the voices and aspirations of the people of Western Sahara should remain central to the political process, and it is the Council's responsibility to ensure conditions for a peaceful settlement of the question of Western Sahara.
I thank you.