LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Western Sahara Conflict: Self-Determination
built 655 days ago
In 1991 the international community again promised the Western Saharans a chance at self-determination. Though this time Hassan attempted to rig the vote by flooding the polls with non-Saharans. Rather than force his successor, King Mohammed, to accept that this effort had failed, the US supported James Baker’s 2003 proposal to allow Moroccan settlers to participate in the vote. Unwilling to trust even its own citizens, Morocco rejected this proposal. Again denied their birthright, the occupied Western Sahara saw the largest pro-independence demonstrations yet, followed by a harsh crackdown. Recent secretary-general’s reports note increased cease-fire violations on both sides.
Source:
In a letter to the Economist, Baker responded: "Let me answer the question posed at the start of your piece: Has the UN's new plan for Western Sahara dropped self-determination? The answer is an unqualified no."
Source:
The ICJ stated explicitly in 1975 that Morocco was NOT entitled to annex the Western Sahara, because the Sahrawi people is entitled to self-determination. That means, they get to chose - independence or integration with Morocco (and/or Mauritania, in those days). It ... based its opinion on - and this is still recognized by the UN and the world’s countries - that Western Sahara does NOT form part of Morocco (whereas Kosovo is still, whether it should or not, under the legitimate sovereignty of Serbia).
Source:
Unfortunately, she said, the question of Western Sahara still lacked support in the international political world. There was much ignorance on the issue, and the political attention span of many politicians reached no farther than "their own backyard". Still, it was the solemn duty of the international community to motivate, make aware and incite the rest of the world -- particularly the younger generation -- to support the Saharawi people in their fight for self-determination. Most Saharawis, whether under occupation or in exile, were determined to fight for that inalienable right. Morocco should respect human rights, democracy and international law, and make them the foundation of their autonomy proposal, instead of following the path of oppression and violating international law, as it had done ... far. The rest of the world should stay focused on that conflict, increase pressure on Morocco to meet its social, political and legal duties, and make the world remember that the issue was all about the simple right of each people to decide their future.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Self-Determination