Morocco loses UN vote regarding Western Sahara

Morocco has been dealt a serious diplomatic blow here, Monitor UN correspondent Louis Wiznitzer reports. The Commission for Decolonization rejected a resolution sponsored by Morocco and Senegal which requested that the heads of African states "pursue their effort toward a solution of the conflict regarding Western Sahara." The resolution did not mention the right to self-determination of the Saharans. It was defeated 41 to 40, with 58 abstentions.

Meanwhile, a resolution reaffirming the Saharans' right to self-determination and independence was approved 88-4, with 44 abstentions. It requested Morocco "to put an end to its occupation of Western Sahara." A similar resolution got 81 votes last year.