Paraguay suspends its recognition of the so-called SADR

01/05/2014 / SubmitMyPR /

An official statement from Paraguay’s foreign affairs ministry released on Friday announced the suspension of the effects of the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Paraguay and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

According to the same document the recognition withdrawal entails legal effects, including the rescinding of all agreements previously concluded with this entity and the cutting of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and the separatist front.

The document added that the government of Paraguay “welcomes the efforts and commitment of all parties to continue to show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious to find a satisfactory solution for all,” and that “dialogue and negotiation are the ideal means to achieve a political, peaceful, just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the question of Western Sahara.”

This is the third country in less than four months to withdraw or suspend its recognition of the Polisario’s RASD after Haiti and Panama, which signals the dwindling legitimacy of this separatist movement as a representative of the Saharawis.

On this occasion, Morocco's minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Salaheddine Mezouar, said in a phone conversation with Paraguay's peer that Morocco welcomes this wise and right decision that follows suit to the south American country's legislative body's decision to cut diplomatic relations with the puppet republic.

Mezouar also expressed Morocco's thanks and gratitude to Paraguay for this position that supports the efforts of the UN secretary general and his personal envoy to reach a political and agreed-upon settlement in accordance with the Security Council's resolutions, particularly the latest resolution N.2099 adopted in April 2013.

The pace of the Polisario recognition withdrawals has accelerated since Morocco has floated the plan granting the Western Sahara a large autonomy, respectful of cultural, linguistic and regional particularities of the local population.

The conciliatory spirit of this plan has actually prompted the Security Council to describe the proposal as “a serious and credible basis” for a final settlement of the long standing regional conflict. It has also pushed the Obama Administration to declare that plan “serious, realistic and credible” and represented a “potential approach that could fulfill the aspirations of the people of the Sahara to manage their own affairs in peace and dignity.”