UN urged to restore Western Sahara peacekeeping mission
UNITED NATIONS - A proposed UN resolution calls for the urgent return of the UN peacekeeping mission in the disputed Western Sahara to its full operation, in a strong rebuke to Morocco's expulsion of most of its civilian staff.
TheUS drafted Security Council resolution, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, expresses concern at the UN mission's inability to fully carry out its mandate of monitoring a 1991 cease-fire and organize a referendum on the future of Western Sahara following Morocco's action last month.
It also expresses concern at Morocco's violation of agreements with the United Nations.
The draft resolution would extend the mandate of the mission, until April 30, 2017 and "emphasize the urgent need for MINURSO to return to full functionality."
