"The rise of instability and insecurity in the Sahel and its region urgently calls for the settlement of this dispute, particularly as the persistence of the conflict hinders increased integration of the Maghreb which is becoming more than ever necessary", underlined the representative of Burundi before the Committee.
"Let us stress, as reaffirmed by Security Council resolutions 2414, 2440, 2468 and 2494, that the political settlement of this long-standing dispute and enhanced cooperation between the member states of the Arab Maghreb Union would contribute to stability and security in the Sahel region," said the Burundian diplomat.
Moreover, she said, Burundi supports the ongoing political process, held under the "exclusive auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General, aimed at achieving a political, mutually acceptable and negotiated solution" to the regional dispute over the Sahara, "on the basis of realism and a spirit of compromise, as recommended by the resolutions of the Security Council, since 2007".
The representative of Burundi welcomed the new impetus given by the two round tables on the Moroccan Sahara issue, and the will expressed by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario to participate "in a serious and respectful manner" in the political process initiated by the United Nations.
The commitment of the four parties "to meet for a third round table, in the same format, as stipulated in resolution 2494 is also an encouraging fact", the Burundian diplomat pointed out.