Q: back to the issue of the round tables, Algeria told the Security Council of its position on the latter. What is your point of view?

A: On this matter, I have nothing to say. Not Algeria and Morocco, but Algeria and the Security Council resolution is the issue. Algeria is having a problem with the international community and the United Nations Security Council, which has referenced the round table at least three times and invited Algeria to return to the negotiations and engage in the process in a realistic and productive manner. Algeria is now known as the source of the conflict, as well as the one who is behind it and refuses to participate in finding a solution.

Algeria attempted to portray Morocco as “isolated” and that its positions were shared with the Security Council.

Q: Would you please respond to Morocco’s position on the appointment of Ivanco and de Mistura?

A: The first is that we are a state and a responsible party dealing with the UN in a respectful and transparent manner. The second principle is that Morocco is unambiguous in identifying each party’s competence, because the position is defined in light of particular States.

Morocco’s third principle is that it consents and engages constructively, particularly in relation to the Secretary-initiatives, General’s but it is cautious. We were hesitant to appoint Ivanko because we don’t want the permanent members of the Security Council to be in charge.

Morocco, however, has agreed to this appointment in response to the Secretary-request, General’s and will closely monitor the extent to which its terms of reference and responsibilities are followed. The same is true for Mr. De Mistura, who will be dealt with by Morocco within specific limitations that must be followed. Morocco is always founded on international legitimacy and prioritizes its own interests.

The Sahara issue is a national matter, a liability issue with which Morocco is dealing constructively and ensuring that no red lines are crossed.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Russian Federation’s Alexander Ivanko as his new Special Representative for Sahara and Head of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Sahara (MINURSO).

Un Secretary-General Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated in a press communiqué that Russian Alexander Ivanko will succeed Colin Stewart of Canada, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedicated service and effective leadership of MINURSO.

Dujarric added that “as a Head of MINURSO Staff since 2009, Mr. Ivanko will bring to the position more than 30 years of experience in international affairs, peacekeeping and journalism”.

Thus, Mr. Ivanko started his career as a journalist, whereas he worked as a reporter for on of the Russian newspaper in Afghanistan and United States.

He also occupied as a senior advisor to the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (1998-2005).

Mr. Ivanko has a master’s degree, with honors, in journalism from the Moscow State University, and speaks English and Russian language fluently.

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