Speaking at a meeting in Moscow with representatives of Arab media, Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s stance falls within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, stressing that his country has so far supported “the principle of self-determination through dialogue, not through unilateral actions.”
The Russian diplomat recalled that the Sahara issue has been on the international agenda for nearly half a century. While a referendum was initially considered as a possible solution, “the current context now calls for more realistic and pragmatic approaches,” he noted. In this regard, Lavrov said that the autonomy plan presented by Morocco could represent a viable and lasting path toward a political settlement, as long as it enjoys the consent of all parties and remains under UN supervision.
Lavrov further reaffirmed that Security Council resolutions remain “the main framework” for any discussion on the matter, adding that Moscow remains open to reviewing new UN proposals “as long as they are endorsed by all concerned parties.”
This position, made public on the eve of a crucial Security Council session dedicated to the Sahara and the future of MINURSO, gives particular weight to Lavrov’s statements. The timing suggests a measured diplomatic repositioning that could influence the dynamics of international debate surrounding the issue.
Until now, Russia and China have been the only two permanent members of the Security Council not to have officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole serious basis for a settlement, unlike the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, which have clearly supported it.
Many analysts believe that a gradual alignment of Moscow and Beijing with Morocco’s position is possible. The atmosphere of trust between Rabat and Moscow, Morocco’s neutrality regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and the Kingdom’s respect for the “One China” principle in the Taiwan issue are all factors contributing to a more flexible and constructive diplomatic convergence on the Moroccan Sahara dossier.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv