As a reaction to comments made by the Norwegian Ambassador to Morocco in a documentary on Norwegian Broadcasting Network (NRK) aired yesterday (03.05.05), the Ambassador, Arne Aasheim, has been called back to Norway. He has to answer to critizism from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with regard to his statements in the documentary. The prominent Saharawian human rights activist, Sidi Mohammed Daddach, was awarded the 2002 Rafto Prize. (05-MAY-2005)
In the documentary Mr. Aasheim makes comments that are in conflict with the official Norwegian policy regarding Western Sahara. Norway does not support company establishments in Western Sahara, and supports the UN policy regarding occupied territories. Morocco annexed Western Sahara in the late 1970?s, and has been in conflict with the UN over the area since then.
In the documentary Aasheim defended the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara and stated; “Western Sahara is a part of Morocco, I cannot see it in any other way”. Aasheim has also encouraged and supported Norwegian investments in the occupied territory – contrary to official Norwegian foreign policy.
The waters off Western Sahara are among the world?s richest but less exploited fisheries, and Aasheim is supportive of Norwegian investment in the fishing industry. Mr Aasheim and his predecessor have watered down instructions from Norway?s Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, advising against investment in Western Sahara?s fisheries sector. They achieved funds from the Norwegian development agency to construct fishing vessels that mainly were given to Moroccan settlers in the occupied territory. Further, Mr Aasheim actively sought potential Norwegian investors for fishery operational in El Aaiun.
The Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara urges the Foreign Ministry to look into its policies. They want Foreign Minister Petersen to further explain the Norwegian position. “It worries us that Norwegian public and private investments in occupied Western Sahara have increased while Moroccan oppression and sabotage of the peace process have worsened”, spokesman for the Committee, Ronny Hansen comments.
Background: Western Sahara has been occupied by neighbouring Morocco since 1975, despite the UN?s demand for the occupied Saharawi people?s right to self determination. Morocco was at war with Front Polisario until 1988. A UN plan from 1991 concerning a referendum in Western Sahara was never carried out. Morocco now refuses to co-operate with both the UN and Polisario. 160?000 Saharawis at present live in refugee camps in Algeria. The Saharawi republic is recognised by more than 70 countries, including South Africa who recognised it in 2004. The republic is also a full member of the African Union (AU).
Source: The Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara
