Very involved in the political process led by the United Nations, Spain proves its keen interest in the Sahara issue. In addition to the logistical support to the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Staffan de Mistura, the Spanish government contributes financially to the budget of MINURSO. Madrid has contributed more than four billion dollars since the creation of the UN mission in 1991, according to the Spanish government, which announced this figure in a written reply to Senator Carles Mulet. The latter asked about the efforts made by his country to support MINURSO, Europa Press reported.
According to the document cited by the Spanish agency, Spain contributes 2.1% of the mission’s budget. However, the Iberian neighbor has not made available to the United Nations the military personnel to strengthen the ranks of the mission responsible for ensuring compliance with the ceasefire signed in 1991.
The Spanish government said in its response that it is an “attentive observer” of the evolution of the mission’s mandate, while expressing its willingness to participate constructively in the success of negotiations between the parties to the conflict. Also the Spanish Executive wants to “co-sponsor the corresponding draft resolutions”, says the same source.
Recall that the Spanish diplomacy has shown particular interest in the Sahara issue, after the arrival of José Manuel Albares at its head. The latter has met several times with the UN envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to whom he has reserved a military jet to travel as part of his regional tours. If Madrid is so interested, it is because it is part of the Group of Friends of the Sahara within the United Nations, along with the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and France.
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