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The European Union Approach Towards Western Sahara: Euroclio 98

Enrique Blair

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The European Union (EU) has a long and complex history with Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa. The EU has been involved in efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. The EU's approach to the conflict has been based on a number of principles, including the need for a mutually acceptable political solution, respect for human rights, and the promotion of regional stability.

The European Union Approach Towards Western Sahara (Euroclio 98)

The European Union Approach Towards Western Sahara (Euroclio Book 98)

by Dan Eatherley

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	301 pages

Historical Background

The conflict over Western Sahara dates back to the 1970s, when Spain withdrew from the territory. Morocco and Mauritania quickly moved to annex the territory, but the Polisario Front, which was backed by Algeria, launched a guerrilla war against the Moroccan and Mauritanian forces. In 1979, Mauritania withdrew from the conflict, and Morocco gained control of most of the territory.

The Polisario Front established a government-in-exile in Algeria and has continued to fight for independence. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Sahrawi refugees living in camps in Algeria. The UN has been involved in efforts to find a solution to the conflict, but no agreement has been reached.

The EU's Approach

The EU has been involved in efforts to find a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara since the early 1990s. The EU's approach has been based on a number of principles, including the need for a mutually acceptable political solution, respect for human rights, and the promotion of regional stability.

The EU has supported the UN-led peace process and has called on all parties to the conflict to engage in good faith negotiations. The EU has also provided humanitarian assistance to the Sahrawi refugees and has supported efforts to promote human rights in Western Sahara.

Challenges to the EU's Approach

The EU's approach to the conflict in Western Sahara has been challenged by a number of factors. These challenges include the lack of a clear consensus within the EU on the best way to address the conflict, the difficulty of finding a mutually acceptable political solution, and the ongoing human rights concerns in Western Sahara.

Despite these challenges, the EU has remained committed to finding a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara. The EU has continued to support the UN-led peace process and has called on all parties to the conflict to engage in good faith negotiations. The EU has also provided humanitarian assistance to the Sahrawi refugees and has supported efforts to promote human rights in Western Sahara.

The European Union has a long and complex history with Western Sahara. The EU has been involved in efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front for decades. The EU's approach to the conflict has been based on a number of principles, including the need for a mutually acceptable political solution, respect for human rights, and the promotion of regional stability. Despite the challenges, the EU has remained committed to finding a solution to the conflict and has continued to support the UN-led peace process.