Shahid Alhafed (Sahrawi Refuigee Camps), Jan 1, 2010 (SPS) - The year 2009 was marked by important events in the course of the decolonization of Western Sahara and consolidation of Sahrawi state institutions on the ground, as viewed by many observers in addition to intense Sahrawi presence on the international stage, under stable programmes and policy of development and construction of the liberated territories and ease of pressure on the refugees concerning the humanitarian aid, which has been increased significantly, compared to the last year.
The Sahrawi National Council (Parliament), in its evaluation of December, assessed the achievements made, particularly the increased struggle in the occupied territories, according to an assessment by the Ministry of the Occupied Territories submitted to this session.
According to the session, the human rights work "confused the Moroccan regime and forced it to confess the falsity of the slogans of democracy and human rights and fragility of its colonial plans.
The Council stopped on an outcome presented by the Prime Minister on the overall achievements of the Year in the forefront of it were the activities of the Sahrawi communities abroad and unity of all Sahrawis on the grand national choices and adherence to the Polisario Front as the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people.
Concerning the construction of the liberated territories, the assessment, which attracted the attention of the members of the Council, recorded the level of readiness of the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army and its oversight of the reconstruction efforts and building of vital installations (Administrative, health and education facilities) in those liberated territories.
The year 2009 also witnessed, in the field of humanitarian aid, alleviation of the suffering of the Sahrawi refugees and removing the specter of the pressures practice in this direction, with restoration of normal relations with foreign dealers (the United States, the European Commission for aid, Italy, Spain) and strengthening of relationships with many international organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Program ... and increasing food elements concretely, according to reports of international agencies in support of the Sahrawi people, in light of promising prospects for multi-aid support, especially in vital areas (nutrition, health, education, transport ..) according to those on charge of projects that are now in the process of completion.
The visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Gutierrez to the region last September had the positive impact both on the humanitarian support or to refute the fallacies of Rabat and those revolved around its dissertation, according to the president of the Sahrawi Red Crescent.
The camps and liberated territories were a destination for large numbers of visitors (ten thousand), as was estimated by the Directorate of Sahrawi Protocol, including dealers, politicians, diplomats and individuals.
The year witnessed the presidential visits to many countries and bodies (Spanish provinces, Conference of the International coordinating bodies in Barcelona, Latin American countries, Conference of Socialist Youth, Hungary ...) in addition to the exceptional contribution in the African Union summit.
The motion of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union, meeting on the sidelines of the ceremony in Tripoli of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya fortieth anniversary of the first September Revolution and that approved by the Pan-African Parliament, South Africa, were again confirmation of positions of states and bodies in Africa, to affix to international legitimacy by organizing a referendum on self-determination and respect for human Rights in Western Sahara, according to report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the session.
The year 2009 witnessed a remarkable Sahrawi presence in the platforms and international forums, particularly the UN General Assembly in October, Non-Aligned Movement in July, international organizations active in human rights issues such as the Human Rights Council and other international bodies such as the Socialist International and the second Pan-African Festival in Algiers, where the Sahrawi attendance was distinct.
The outgoing year was marked by the engagement of countries and organizations in supporting the Saharawi cause and advocacy of activists of independence intifada, who broke the siege and publicly visited the Sahrawi refugee camps and liberated territories in October.
There were tens of Sahrawi political prisoners, the Group of the Seven was in the front of them, recognized by international bodies, as a part of a policy of serious and unprecedented escalation since the cease of fire, according to the Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Mohamed Abdelaziz, culminated the speech of the King of Morocco on November 6, declaring war on all those who advocate the right to self-determination or say that Sahara is western.
The year 2009 saw the return of the Sahrawi issue on the forefront of the events as never seen before thanks to the wave of sympathy and solidarity that accompanied the hunger strike of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar at the Spanish airport of Lanzarote from November14 to December18, in protest of her expulsion from Laayoune after returning from the United States America after winning the Civil Courage Prize.
The liberated territories of Tifariti hosted many activities and visits, including holding the demonstration of Artifariti and commemoration of national events.
The Sahara Marathon demonstration,World Festival of Cinema in Western Sahara and International Cultural demonstration of Artifariti attracted growing numbers of supporters with the Sahrawi cause, which strongly participated along with Sahrawi citizens, as was evaluated by the Ministry of Culture.
Concerning media and foreign affairs, the broadcast of the first Sahrawi national television was launched and opening of new Embassies and Offices and establishment of diplomatic relations with different countries across the five continents. (SPS)
062/090/TRA 011030 JAN 10 SPS
