Libyan rumours resurface

Rumours of Libyan state oil company Tamoil having entered occupied Western Sahara were in 2007 emphanitcally denied by the company. Now, the rumours resurface in Spanish media.

According to the Spanish news service Capital News, the Libyan state owned oil company Tamoil has been carrying out oil exploration in Western Sahara "for months".

"En tierras saharauis espera ya, explorando desde hace meses la estatal libia Tamoil. Invertirá de 100 a 150 millones de dólares en el Sáhara Occidental y doblará la cifra si descubre petróleo."
Capital News, 27 January 2009Tamoil is according to Capital News investing between 100 and 150 million rollars in Western Sahara, an amount that would doubled once petroleum is found. The exact same information was first covered by Moroccan media in 2007 .

Tamoil denied the news that then had appeared in Moroccan media back in 2007.

"The company denies emphatically some media reports about an oil investment deal in Western Sahara. It did not sign any agreement on oil exploration permits in Western Sahara and it has no plan to invest in any oil operations there", they stated to Reuters on December 26th 2007.

WSRW has not yet seen any comment from the company on this new development.

DESCUBIERTAS FOSAS COMUNES EN EL AAIUN SAHARA OCUPADO

Extracto de una de las páginas del periodico marroqui Assabah que ha difundido la información la semana pasada.El Aaiun 11 Enero 2009.

El periódico marroquí Assabah en su edición del pasado mes de diciembre publicó que los trabajadores de la empresa Fosbucra situada a 90 kilómetros de la ciudad saharaui ocupada de El Aaiun, algunos operarios se han encontrado con una fosa común con ocho tumbas de personas que se han enterrado separadas en ocho grupos de personas.La fosa según la gendarmería marroquí es de los años de la guerra entre el ejército marroquí y el saharaui época en la que desaparecieron más de 500 civiles saharauis y se calcula que podría ser desde hace 15 a 20 años de haber sido practicada con pocos cuidados como prevé los ritos religiosos.El periódico marroquí habla de que los agentes de la gendarmería no disponen de adecuados medios para realizar la investigación que podría determinar el reconocimiento y las condiciones en las que estas personas perdieron la vida, así como el estudio de su ADN para identificar la identidad de cada cadáver. Este descubrimiento ha movilizado las familias saharauis de los desaparecidos y las que hayan perdido sus hijos en la guerra sin saber donde habían sido enterrados, que es el caso de muchas familias de soldados marroquíes.

Le CORESLSO relance sa campagne d’information sur les 15 jeunes sahraouis enlevés par la marine marocaine

Paris, Le Comité pour le respect des libertés et des droits de l’Homme au Sahara occidental (CORELSO), basé à Paris, vient de relancer une campagne d’information sur l’enlèvement de 15 jeunes sahraouis par la marine marocaine, le 25 décembre 2005 et le combat que mènent leurs familles pour faire éclater la vérité et connaître le sort réservé à leurs enfants.

Le 25 décembre 2005, les 15 jeunes ont tenté de quitter clandestinement par mer la localité d’Azioualt, dans la préfecture de Boujdour, pour rejoindre les Iles Canaries.

Les familles des victimes organisées en "Comité des mères des 15 enlevés sahraouis" sont convaincues que leurs fils ont été kidnappés et détenus par la marine et la gendarmerie marocaine.

Dans le cadre de cette campagne, le CORELSO saisit toutes les opportunités pour distribuer un recueil de documents, acheminés, il y a deux ans, des territoires sahraouis occupés, relatifs à cette affaire. Les familles des enlevés sont catégoriques. Leurs enfants ont bel et bien été enlevés.

Cette conviction, expliquent-elles, est renforcée par les informations qui leur ont été transmises par des associations espagnoles s’occupant des questions de migrations qui leur ont assuré que l’embarcation à bord de laquelle se trouvaient les jeunes sahraouis, n’a pas été interceptée par les gardes-côtes espagnols sur les côtes des Iles Canaries.

Dans le rapport global figurant dans le recueil, " le Comité des mères des 15 enlevés sahraouis" précise que parmi "les victimes figurent des activistes politiques et des militants des droits de l’homme ayant des opinions claires sur la cause du Sahara Occidental et ont participé à plusieurs manifestations pacifiques".

"Ces militants ont décidé de quitter la région pour éviter les poursuites et les éventuelles arrestations, emportant avec eux des CD, des drapeaux et des documents sur les violations de droits de l’homme pour les remettre aux comités de soutien étrangers à la cause sahraouie et aux correspondants étrangers interdits d’accès aux territoires occupés", ajoute le Comité.

Les mères des jeunes enlevés n’ont pas cessé au lendemain de leur disparition d’entreprendre des initiatives pour s’assurer du sort réservé à leurs enfants. Des plaintes individuelles et collectives ont été déposées auprès des autorités judiciaires marocaines.

Des rencontres ont eu lieu avec des responsables locaux, dont le Wali de la région occupée d’El Aaiun-Boujdour, avec des responsables de la sécurité et le procureur général de cette même région. Toutes ces démarches se sont avérées infructueuses.

Les membres du comité ainsi que leurs proches ont organisé des manifestations, trop souvent sévèrement réprimées, comme la manifestation du 25 avril 2006 qui a fait plusieurs blessés.

Les contacts menées auprès des organisations marocaines et internationales de défense des droits de l’homme ont contraint les autorités marocaines à se montrer "plus coopératives" en recevant à maint reprises ces familles et à promettre l’ouverture d’enquêtes et des informations sur ces disparus.

Lors d’une rencontre, le 2 mars 2007, les mères, reçues par le wali d’El Aaiun , ont menacé de s’immoler par le feu, en présence d’ONG et de journalistes, si leur quête de vérité n’aboutissait pas et pour dénoncer l’obstination des autorités marocaines à taire la vérité.

Le recueil élaboré par le CORELSO comprend des compte-rendu des différentes rencontres et audiences accordées par les responsables locaux marocains, des photos montrant les exactions et les blessures causées aux membres du comité des mères, des fiches de renseignements sur les 15 enlevés et leurs itinéraires politique et militant, des copies de plaintes déposées auprès du tribunal d’El Aaiun, des certificats médicaux constatant les blessures causés aux manifestants lors des différentes manifestations ainsi que des articles de presse relatant les faits et le combat de ces mères qui ont choisi comme slogan de leur lutte "Le sahraoui enlevé reviendra".

L’UE appelée à jouer un "rôle central" dans l’autodétermination du peuple sahraoui

Madrid,Plusieurs organisations sahraouies de défense des droits de l’homme ont exhorté l’Union européenne (UE) à jouer un "rôle central" en faveur d’une solution au conflit du Sahara occidental, basée sur le droit du peuple sahraoui à l’autodétermination, à travers l’organisation d’un référendum "libre et démocratique".

Dans une lettre adressée à la mission du Parlement européen en visite au Maroc et dans les territoires sahraouis occupés, ces organisations ont exprimé leur "vive préoccupation" face à la "persistance des violations" des droits de l’homme dans ces territoires, accompagnées de "sévices très graves" contre les populations civiles sahraouies de manière générale et les défenseurs sahraouis des droits de l’homme de manière particulière.

"Cette situation est, bien entendu, la résultante d’un conflit politico-militaire qui perdure depuis plus de trois décennies tout au long desquelles il a contribué au climat de grande frustration qui s’est installé et accentué les souffrances d’une population, victime de toutes les discriminations, de toutes les humiliations, et privée de son droit au respect et à la dignité humaine", lit-on dans cette lettre.

Aussi, "nous exhortons le Parlement européen et, à travers lui l’Union européenne, à jouer un rôle central en faveur d’une solution du conflit du Sahara Occidental, conforme à la légalité internationale et aux multiples résolutions des Nations unies qui appellent au respect du droit imprescriptible du peuple sahraoui à l’autodétermination, à travers la tenue d’un référendum libre et démocratique permettant à ce peuple de choisir librement son devenir", soulignent-elles.

Les défenseurs sahraouis des droits de l’homme se disent "convaincus" qu’une solution définitive du conflit du Sahara Occidental, basée sur le droit international ne manquera pas d’ouvrir la voie devant l’édification d’un "Maghreb uni, réconcilié et prospère".

Dans ce sens, ils ont appelé l’UE à "faire pression" sur le Maroc et l’amener à se conformer à la légalité internationale en acceptant l’organisation d’un référendum pour appliquer le droit à l’autodétermination du peuple sahraoui "dans les plus brefs délais".

Les associations sahraouies ont invité également l’UE à œuvrer pour l’application de la recommandation de l’organisation américaine, Human Rights Watch, appelant à l’instauration d’un mécanisme onusien pour le contrôle et le respect des droits de l’homme dans les territoires sahraouis occupés.

Elles ont demandé aussi à l’UE à revendiquer la publication du rapport élaboré en 2006 par la commission du Haut commissariat des droits de l’homme de l’ONU.

Enfin, les associations sahraouies de défense des droits de l’homme considèrent que l’accord de pêche, signé entre l’UE et le Maroc, incluant les eaux territoriales sahraouies, est "contraire au droit international", en ce qu’il "ne respecte aucunement le statut juridique reconnu au Sahara Occidental", précisent-elles.

Arrivée du Président de la République à Addis abeba pour prendre part au sommet de l’union africaine

Addis Abeba,Le Président de la République, Mohamed Abdeklaziz, est arrivé, ce samedi à Addis abeba pour prendre part aux travaux du XIIème sommet ordinaire des Chefs d’Etats et des Gouvernements de l’Union africaine (UA) qui se tiendra dans la capitale éthiopienne du 1er au 3 février.

Le Chef de l’Etat a été accueilli à la passerelle de son avion, a l’aéroport de Addis Abeba, par le ministre éthiopien de la culture, actuel commissaire de l’UA aux affaires économiques, ainsi que plusieurs hautes personnalités politiques éthiopiennes et africaines.

M. Abdeaziz et la délégation qui l’accompagne devaient écouter l’hymne national africain avant de passer en revue une unité de l’armée éthiopienne venue lui rendre les honneurs.

Le Président de la République est accompagné d’une délégation comprenant, le MAE, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, du ministre délégué chargé de l’Union africiane, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, des Conseillers à la Présidence de la République, Bachir Sghayer et Abdati Breika, l’ambassadeur sahraoui auprès de l’UA, Breika Lehbib, du premier secrétaire à l’ambassade, Habbaaa et du conseiller juridique de l’ambassade, Salama Khalil.


L’Union africaine (UA) a formulé, vendredi au cours de la session du Conseil exécutif de l’Union à Addis-Abeba (Ethiopie) son souhait de voir les négociations engagées entre le Maroc et le Front Polisario reprendre "immédiatement", après avoir constaté qu’"aucun progrès" n’a été enregistré dans la résolution de ce conflit.

Dans le rapport établi par le président de la Commission de l’UA,
M. Jean Ping, soumis à l’adoption du Conseil exécutif et à la conférence des chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement dans la capitale éthiopienne, il est mentionné que "l’UA souhaite ardemment que les négociations entre les deux parties puissent reprendre immédiatement", considérant que durant les six derniers mois, "aucun progrès n’a été enregistré dans la résolution du conflit du Sahara occidental", rappelle-t-on.

Sahara occidental : L’UA souhaite la reprise immédiate des négociations entre le Maroc et le Polisario

Addis-Abeba, L’Union africaine (UA) a formulé, vendredi à Addis-Abeba (Ethiopie) son souhait de voir les négociations engagées entre le Maroc et le Front Polisario reprendre "immédiatement", après avoir constaté qu’"aucun progrès" n’a été enregistré dans la résolution de ce conflit.

Dans le rapport établi par le président de la Commission de l’UA,
M. Jean Ping, soumis à l’adoption du Conseil exécutif et à la conférence des chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement dans la capitale éthiopienne, il est mentionné que "l’UA souhaite ardemment que les négociations entre les deux parties puissent reprendre immédiatement", considérant que durant les six derniers mois, "aucun progrès n’a été enregistré dans la résolution du conflit du Sahara occidental".

"Il ne faut pas que les négociations représentent encore une fois un
autre exemple d’opportunité gâchée, mais qu’elles montrent plutôt une détermination à relever le défi de parvenir à un résultat qui soit totalement compatible avec les normes juridiques internationales", est-il mentionné dans le document.

Au cours des deux dernières années, trois "importantes" résolutions
ont été adoptées par le Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies, à savoir les résolutions 1754 (avril, 2007), 1783 (octobre (2007) et 1813 (avril 2008), sur la base desquelles des négociations directes ont été entamées entre le Maroc et le Front Polisario.

Le but de ces négociations, précise le rapport, est de parvenir à une
"solution politique juste et mutuellement acceptable, dont l’objectif serait de prévoir l’autodétermination du peuple du Sahara occidental dans le cadre d’arrangements compatibles avec les principes et les objectifs de la Charte des Nations unies".

Dans son rapport, le président du Conseil de l’UA attribue le retard
accusé par la convocation du 5e round des négociations au fait que le poste de l’Envoyé personnel était vacant, suite à la démission de l’ambassadeur Van Walsum en sa qualité de médiateur.

Lors de la séance du mois d’avril 2008, au cours de laquelle le rapport du secrétaire général de l’ONU pour le Sahara occidental a été examiné, l’Envoyé personnel de l’époque avait soumis une note aux membres du Conseil dont la teneur consistait en "son évaluation du processus de paix et ses conclusions y relatives".

"Les propositions faites par l’Envoyé personnel en guise de solution au conflit, n’étaient pas compatibles avec les principes établis des Nations unies concernant les territoires non autonomes", selon le rapport de l’UA, soulignant que cette "controverse a entraîné une perte de confiance dans l’intégrité de l’Envoyé personnel de la part d’une des parties en conflit (laquelle) avait déclaré qu’elle
ne participerait à aucune négociation entamée par l’Envoyé personnel".

M. Ping a ainsi estimé que la nomination d’un nouvel Envoyé personnel
pour le Sahara occidental, M. Christopher Ross, a été "retardée" du fait qu’une des deux parties "souhaitait être informée au préalable sur la voie à suivre".

Aggressive onshore plans

Morocco has apparently launched a big onshore exploration programme in Western Sahara. While a lot of attention has recently been given to the controversial US oil exploration offshore the occupied Western Sahara, Morocco is also carrying out what seems to be an aggressive programme for oil exploration onshore the territory. Irish oil companies are taking the lead, in what is constituting a violation of international law, and a highly unethical support of the brutal occupation. The most known onshore block is the socalled ‘Zag block’ in the north-eastern part of the territory. The reconnaissance contract was given to Irish company Island Oil and Gas, together with San Leon and Longreach (former GB Oil) in 2006. The block is covering the town of Smara, and parts of the territory that remains under the current control of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. What is less known, is that the same group of companies also has 4 blocks in the El Aaiun area. El Aaiun is the capital of the occupied country. The acreage is marked with numbers 154, 155, 156 and 157 on the map to the right. The map was issued by the Moroccan state oil company ONHYM on 17 December 2008. The adjacent blocks 153, 152 and 151, also operated by the same firms, are located in Morocco. Click on the map for bigger version. You can also download the map here. The actual location of the blocks 154 to 157 - inside Western Sahara - comes as a surprise. Island Oil & Gas already on 11 April 2008 (see the press release below) announced that they had an agreement in what they said was "Tarfaya", together with their other two partners. Tarfaya is a costal town in Morocco proper. Island’s partner San Leon also gave the same impression that the agreement was in Morocco, not in Western Sahara. They state on their homepages that the block lies " south of Agadir ". It was therefore thought that the Tarfaya block was uncontroversial, located far into what is internationally recognised as Morocco. But the recent ONHYM map, however, shows that the Tarfaya Petroleum Agreement reaches into the most densely populated part of the territory of Western Sahara. In 2008, Island Oil and Gas had planned to carry out seismic acquisition in Tarfaya area in 2009. A third large area, until now unknown, has apparently been alotted to ONHYM itself. The blocks are numbered from 117 to 129, and comprises of a part of the coastal Western Sahara between the cities of El Aaiun and Dakhla. The section must have been awarded to ONHYM some time between January 2007 and April 2007. This time period appears since blocks are generally given out numerically. Since block number 116 (the ‘Ouest Souss’ onshore reconnaissance contract in the Agadir area) was awarded to GBP on 25th of January 2007, while block number 130 (the ‘Asilah 1’ onshore petroleum agreement in nothern Morocco) was awarded to Direct and Anshutz on April 11th 2007, it must logically follow that the ONHYM blocks in Western Sahara must have been awarded at a point in time between those two. Block 117-129 has so far not been mentioned in any media reports in Morocco, as far as WSRW can see. Morocco has no right to carry out oil exploration in Western Sahara, according to the UN. See the UN legal opinion from 2002 on the oil exploration in Western Sahara here.

Saharawis demonstrate against Fugro-Geoteam

Saharawi students at the University of Agadir on 22 January 2009 protested Fugro-Geoteam’s engagement for Moroccan authorities in occupied Western Sahara. Carrying banners "Fugro-Geoteam go out", and pictures of Saharawi political prisoners, Saharawi students arranged a demonstration in Agadir on January 22nd. Fugro-Geoteam carries out a highly unethical oil exploration programme for Moroccan authorities offshore occupied Western Sahara, in violation of the occupied people’s own interests and wishes. There are no places of higher education in the occupied areas, so Saharawi students have to travel to Morocco to get studies. There, the students carry out frequent demonstrations for the Saharawis’ right to self-determination.

AI: Saharawi Human Rights Defenders face obstacles while European Parliament delegation visits Western Sahara

Amnesty International expressed concerns, yesterday, regarding obstacles that members of Saharawi human rights groups continue to face because of their work to document past and present human rights abuses in Western Sahara. Here is the complete text of the Press release: ------------------------------------- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT AI Index: MDE 29/002/2009 Date: 30 January 2008 Morocco/Western Sahara: Saharawi Human Rights Defenders face obstacles while European Parliament delegation visits Morocco and Western Sahara Amnesty International welcomes that after a delay of over three years a European Parliament ad hoc delegation on Western Sahara was able to conduct a “fact-finding mission” to Morocco and Western Sahara between the 25 and the 29 of January. While Amnesty International is satisfied that the delegation was able to meet Moroccan officials as well as members of human rights organizations in Morocco and Western Sahara, the organization remains concerned about reports that a number of Saharawi human rights defenders faced harassment in the context of the visit. Amnesty International calls on the Moroccan authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association in Morocco and Western Sahara and to allow Saharawi human rights defenders to collect and disseminate information and views about human rights without fear of reprisals. The visit by the ad hoc delegation was reportedly characterized by a heavy security presence of law enforcement officers in official and civilian dress around El Aaiun and particularly around Hotel Parador where the delegation was staying. Reports also indicate that a number of homes of human rights defenders in El Aaiun were surrounded by security officials during the visit and that some human rights defenders were delayed and verbally harassed at security checks. Amnesty International received reports that four human rights defenders were stopped by law enforcement officers in civilian clothes on 27 January about 500 meters from Hotel Parador where the delegation was holding its meetings. Rachid Sgheir and Ahmed Moussa, both members of the Committee against Torture in Dakhla, were reportedly prevented from entering the hotel. Their two companions, the Secretary General of the Saharawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State (ASVDH), and Mahjoub Oulad Cheikh, a member of the Committee against Torture in Dakhla, were allowed to proceed to the scheduled meeting. Mahjoub Oulad Cheikh reported being hit on his legs during the security check. Reports also indicate that Ahmed Moussa was arrested by the security officials and detained until the night of the 27 of January. During the incident, a number of items such as two mobile telephones, reports and other documents as well as one USB stick were reportedly confiscated by the security officials, and have not been returned to date. Amnesty International also received reports that on 26 January, Ali Salem Al-Tamek, member of the Collective of Saharawi Human Rights Defenders (CODESA) and former prisoner of conscience, was stopped at a road block between Tan Tan and El Aaiun for three hours before being allowed to proceed to the scheduled meeting between members of CODESA and the European Parliament ad hoc delegation. On a number of occasions, Amnesty International has raised its concerns with the Moroccan authorities regarding various obstacles that members of Saharawi human rights groups continue to face because of their work to document past and present human rights abuses and their public expression of their views on the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara. Of particular concern is that Saharawi human rights groups are severely hampered in their work as they are unable to obtain legal registration due to politically-motivated administrative obstacles. The local authorities in El Aaiun have repeatedly refused to acknowledge receipt of the ASVDH registration file, despite administrative courts’ rulings in their favour. In a similar vein, CODESA was unable to hold its founding congress on 7 October 2007 because the local authorities refused to acknowledge their request for authorisation of a public meeting. When Amnesty International raised this issue, the authorities in El Aaiun contended that the statute of CODESA made clear that it was a “separatist” organization, in reference to the views on the right to self-determination of its members. Amnesty International repeats its calls on the Moroccan authorities to comply by their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Morocco is a state party, by respecting freedom of association, expression and assembly. Background Since the European Parliament ad hoc delegation first decided to conduct a fact finding mission to the region in late 2005, the mission was postponed a number of times due to the Moroccan authorities’ objection to the composition of the delegation. The mission was finally rescheduled for November 2008, only to be postponed again reportedly because the ad hoc delegation was notified very late on the content of the programme by the Moroccan authorities. Upon the termination of the mission which took place between the 25 and the 29 of January, the Chairman of the ad hoc delegation on Western Sahara, Ioannis Kasoulides, expressed satisfaction at being able to meet a variety of stakeholders including Moroccan officials, the Human Rights Advisory Council and a wide range of human rights organizations in Morocco and Western Sahara.

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Occupation 101: Award-winning documentary film on the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Unlike any other film ever produced on the Palestine, ‘Occupation 101’ presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions of the conflict in Palestine. The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets. The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880’s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office aware of the trial of Mustapha Abd Daiem

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Bill Rammell, said last Tuesday in a written answer to Parliament, that his government is aware of the trial and case of the Saharawi journalist and short-stories writer, Mustapha Abd Daiem. The British official answered a question by member of Parliament, Katy Clark (Ayrshire North & Arran, Labour), saying that his government is “aware of the trial of Mustafa Abdel Dayem, which was discussed during a European Union meeting in Rabat on 16 January”. He also asserted that “the trial will be discussed again at the European Union Heads of Mission meeting in Rabat on 28 January 2009. We will continue to monitor developments alongside our European Union colleagues”. Mustapha Abd Daiem, journalist and short-stories writer member of UPES, was arrested on October 2008, sentenced to 3 years imprisonment and more than 6000 fine in addition to 10 years ban from public employment, because of his political opinion and support to the independence of Western Sahara. Amnesty International declared in a press release that it “is concerned that aspects of Mustafa Abdel Dayem’s trial proceedings did not meet international fair trial standards as he was denied the right to legal counsel during his appeal hearing. His case was submitted several days ago to Morocco’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, which can review the alleged irregularities in his trial and, if confirmed, dismiss the ruling and send the case for retrial by a lower court”. Amnesty International also “fears that Mustafa Abdel Dayem’s conviction may have been intended to punish him for his public support for the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara and for the POLISARIO Front, which calls for an independent state in Western Sahara and runs a self-proclaimed government-in-exile in refugee camps in south-western Algeria”. The case of Mustapha Abd Daiem is getting more and more known to international organization especially Amnesty International (North Africa) and Amnesty International US. The international organization issued a press release about his unfair trial and the US branch is publishing an action on its page about Mustapha. On another level, a campaign of letters was launched in solidarity with UPES in its endeavour to support Mustapha. The first to express support were Japanese journalist supporting Western Sahara, followed by the UK Western Sahara Campaign, and Australia Western Sahara Association. This campaign of letters is the first step in a bigger campaign that will develop in a second step to be a campaign of letters to Foreign Affairs Ministries in all countries that can exercise pressures on Morocco on the subject. “The campaign, UPES Secretary General, Malainin Lakhal said, will take other steps in the future, and adopt additional ways to put more pressures on the Moroccan colonial authorities, until Rabat knows that it is no use to arrest Saharawi human rights activists, writers or normal citizens, and that the only good option is to release the political prisoners and enable the Saharawi people to exercise their right to self-determination and independence”.

REPRESSÃO EM EL AAIUN, TERRITÓRIO SAHARAUI OCUPADO POR MARROCOS

NO QUADRO DA VISITA DA DELEGAÇÃO AD HOC DO PARLAMENTO EUROPEU

O Conselho Português para a Paz e Cooperação condena as recentes agressões e a actuação das forças policiais marroquinas no quadro da visita de uma delegação do Parlamento Europeu à cidade ocupada de El Aaiun, sobre os cidadãos saharauis e seus representantes.

As forças de ocupação marroquinas procederam ao encerramento das principais ruas que conduzem à cidade de El Aaiun (Sahara Ocidental) na véspera da chegada da missão ad hoc do Parlamento Europeu ao Sahara Ocidental. El Aaiun esteve sob um férreo controlo policial durante todo o dia de ontem, com o evidente propósito de impedir todas as manifestações que reclamem o direito à autodeterminação do povo Saharaui".

A Associação de Vitimas de Graves Violações de Direitos Humanos (ASVDH) denunciou a detenção na semana passada de El Hafed Toubali, destacado activista saharaui dos Direitos Humanos, tendo sido interrogado sobre as manifestações previstas durante a visita da missão ad hoc da EU.

Na terça-feira, dia 27 de Janeiro, a policia marroquina agrediu brutalmente três representantes do Comité Contra a Tortura de Dajla quando estes se iam reunir com a delegação do PE, composta por Hamia Ahmed Musa y Rachid Sghyar.Foram torturados em plena rua e depois levados num veiculo policial enquanto que Ulad Chej Mahyhub conseguiu alcançar o Hotel com graves feridas nas pernas.

Foram ainda detidos e interrogados Amminatou Haidar (nomeada em 2008 para o prémio Nobel da Paz) e Ali Salem Tamek, membros do Colectivo Saharaui de Defensores dos Direitos do Homem após reunião que mantiveram com a delegação.

Conselho Português para a Paz e Cooperação

Comunicado: CONFEDERACION SINDICAL DE COMISIONES OBRERAS SAHARAOUI

CONFEDERACION SINDICAL DE COMISIONES

OBRERAS SAHARAOUI

(CC.OO.S )


Continuando la visita de la delegación Adhoc del parlamento europeo a la ciudad de El Aaiún, el Martes 27 de enero del 2009 , las autoridades marroquíes han aislado por completo a dicha delegación y desplegado un cinturón policial en todos los accesos al hotel dónde se hospedaban, "El Parador".

Los sindicalistas saharauis: EDDIA SIDI AHMED MOUSSA , HALLAB BACHIR KHALIL y HOSSEIN SAIDI fueron agredidos al intentar acceder al lugar dónde se encontraba la delegación con el fin de tratar los expedientes de los trabajadores saharauis de las administraciones españolas y de la mina de Phosboucraa, y plantear sus problemas relativos a la delegación europea .


A este efecto, el CC.OO.S. declara a la opinión pública nacional e internacional:

- Ponemos bajo reserva el método, el lugar y el programa de la visita.

- Asumida la responsabilidad y las consecuencias de este impedimento de las autoridades marroquíes.

- El fin inmediato del embargo ejercido sobre los sindicalistas saharauis.

- Solicitar a los sindicatos y organizaciones internacionales la intervención a fin de proteger los sindicatos saharauis.

CC.OO.S

El Aaiún , 27 de enero 2009

Seis webs de un movimiento islamista marroquí han sido bloqueadas

EFE | RABAT

Seis sitios web del movimiento islamista Al Adl Ual Ihsan (Justicia y Caridad) permanecen bloqueados desde el 17 de enero para los internautas en Marruecos, según denunció la organización Reporteros Sin Fronteras (RSF).

Según la ONG, los operadores de telecomunicaciones Maroc Télécom, Méditel y Wana impidieron el acceso a estas páginas web desde el interior de Marruecos, aunque todavía se puede acceder a ellos a través de herramientas de navegación "anónimas" como anonymouse.org, que enmascaran el número individual de identificación del ordenador.

, informa RSF en un comunicado.

Para Omar Amkasu, jefe de prensa de Justicia y Caridad, con este bloqueo, el poder marroquí "refuerza la convicción" que tiene este movimiento según la cual, Marruecos "vive una verdadera degradación, especialmente en cuanto a las libertades públicas".

Para Mohamed Darif, politólogo y especialista en movimientos islamistas, esta prohibición no se debe a un problema técnico, sino a "un intento de las autoridades de privar a la Yamaa de sus medios de movilización, ya que ha logrado organizar numerosas sentadas y manifestaciones con gran seguimiento desde que comenzó la ofensiva israelí sobre Gaza".

Fuente: http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2009/01/20/comunicacion/1232480516.html

La lutte du peuple sahraoui pour son droit à la liberté, est celle de l’Afrique toute entière¨ affirme le Secrétaire chargé de l’Afrique au MAE Nigéri

Abuja, Le Secrétaire chargé de l’Afrique au Ministère des Affaires Etrangères de la République Fédérale du Nigéria, Amb. Alex Anigbo a affirmé mercredi que "la lutte menée par le peuple sahraoui pour son droit inaliénable à l’autodétermination et la liberté, est celle de l’Afrique toute entière.

M. Anigbo qui recevait au siège du Ministère des affaire étrangères à Abuja l’ambassadeur sahraoui M. Oubi Bouchraya Bachir a ajoute qu'il s'agit là ´´d’un processus de décolonisation de la dernière colonie du continent, paralysé depuis trios décennies par l’occupation marocaine´..

Il a rappelé le soutien indéfectible de son pays au droit inaliénable du peuple Sahraoui à l’autodétermination à travers un référendum libre, régulier et transparent sous l’égide des Nations Unies, exprimant sa "préoccupation face aux plusieurs rapports internationaux sur la répression et les violations des droits de l'homme commises au Sahara Occidental par le Maroc", a précisé la même source.

Pour sa part, l’ambassadeur sahraoui a exprimé au nom du Gouvernement de la RASD ´´la gratitude au Nigéria pour le rôle constructif qu'il joue en faveur du peuple sahraoui et pour la résolution du conflit au Sahara occidental sur la base du respect de la légalité international´´ et réitéré ´´la volonté du Gouvernement sahraoui à consolider les relations bilatérales avec Abuja´´, a-t-il martelé.

9 Saharawi human rights org call on the EU to insure the exercise of self-determination in Western Sahara

Nine Saharawi human rights organisations and committees called in the European Union to insure that the Saharawi people can exercise their right to self-determination, as a basic human right. The nine organisations sent a letter to the members of the European Parliament’s ad-hoc delegation that visited the occupied capital of Western Sahara, El Aaiun, last Tuesday 27 January. Members of the nine organisations, it should be recalled, were intimidated, harassed or even arrested by the Moroccan police, which was sealing the residence where the European delegation was seating, before they finally could meet with the European parliamentarians. Here is the complete text of the letter ---------------- 27 January 2009 Saharawi human rights organisations and committees Western Sahara Letter for the distinguished members of the mission of the European Parliament visit to Morocco and Western Sahara The Sahrawi associations active in the field of human rights are honoured to send you this letter, through which they wish to express, first of all, welcome and to express the immense joy to take part in this meeting that we have long awaited. Also, we take this opportunity to share with you our deep concern at the continuing violations of human rights in Western Sahara, with very serious abuses against the Sahrawi civilians in general and the Sahrawi human rights defenders in particular. This is, of course, the result of a political and military conflict that has lasted more than three decades during which it contributed to the climate of frustration that has further increased the suffering of a population which is the victim of all forms of discrimination and humiliations and that is deprived of its right to respect and human dignity. The Sahrawi associations are aware of the importance of the European Union and its institutions as a force of stability and cooperation in the world that can help reduce all forms of injustice and spread an atmosphere of peace and security beyond its borders. To this end, we urge the European Parliament and, through it the European Union, to play a central role in the solution of the conflict in Western Sahara, in conformity with international law and multiple UN resolutions that call for respect for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination through the holding of a free and democratic referendum allowing the people to freely choose their future. A lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara, based on international law will undoubtedly contribute to paving the way to building a Maghreb that rejects exclusion and denial of rights and which is united, reconciled, stable and prosperous. Europe, which maintains close ties with Morocco, should put pressure on it to comply with international law by accepting the holding of a referendum of self-determination of the Sahrawi people as soon as possible. Since the issue of resources is a particular aspect of the very important but more general problem of the right of peoples to self-determination and to decide their wealth, we believe that the fisheries agreement signed between Europe and Morocco, including the territorial waters of Western Sahara was contrary to international law in that it does not recognize the legal status of Western Sahara. The legal opinion of the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in his letter of 29 January 2002 addressed to the President of the Security Council, has rightly highlighted the non-self-governing status of the territory of Western Sahara, which remains since 1963 on the list UN Non-Self-Governing Territories. If we look at all the UN resolutions and Article 73 of the Charter of the United Nations, we can easily see that it has developed rules governing the preservation of natural resources in non-self-governing territories, rules that must also be respected in Western Sahara. Also, it is worth noting that the fishing accord between Morocco and the European Union contains a paragraph on arrangements to bring benefits to the Saharawi population with the aim, obviously, to give some sort of legitimacy to that Agreement! This population has not received any benefit when there is no mechanism to implement it or guarantee its implementation. We undersigned Sahrawi associations, active in the field of human rights, hope that the mission of the European Parliament paves the way to a new era, which hopefully will be marked by continued strong links and contacts, and a productive partnership between the EU and the Sahrawi associations active in the field of human rights, but we also hope that Europe will contributes to the solution of the conflict in Western Sahara on the basis of a free and democratic referendum enabling its people to freely choose their destiny. The Sahrawi associations signatories: - Sahrawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State (ASVDH) - Defence Committee for the Right of Self-Determination of the People of Western Sahara (CODAPSO) - The Sahrawi Prisoners Defence Alliance - The Saharawi Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Smara / Western Sahara - The Defense Committee for the Settlement Plan and Natural Resources in Western Sahara - The Committee of Families of Disappeared Sahrawis - The Committee of the Families and Mothers of the Abducted 15 Youths - The Committee Against Torture in Dakhla / Sahara Occidental - The Committee of the Families of the Matyres El Aaiun, on 27 January 2009

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Mustapha Abd Daiem put under tight surveillance and deprived of his rights as prisoner of conscience

The sister of the Saharawi human rights defender, journalist and short-stories’ writer, Mustapha Abd Daiem, informed UPES that her brother is put under tight surveillance and deprived from his basic rights as prisoner of conscience in the Moroccan local prison in Ait Melloul. The Saharawi journalist, member of UPES, is serving a 3 years imprisonment sentence because of his political opinions and opposition to the Moroccan illegal occupation of Western Sahara. Mrs. Khadija Abd Daiem, the prisoner’s sister, informed UPES that Mustapha’s health is deteriorating. The prisoner is suffering severe head-aches, toothaches and problems in his back “because the penitentiary administration didn’t give him a bed like other prisoners. He has to sleep on the bare ground in this cold winter”. On the other hand, she adds, “he is only allowed to see the members of the family, and only for 15 minutes, though we have to travel all the way from Assa city to Ait Melloul, while his friends and comrades are not allowed to visit him”. With regards to the contact with the outside world, the administration put the prisoner under a real siege. He has no access to newspapers or magazines. It should be recalled that the Moroccan forces of occupation adopted these measures against Mustapha after he was transferred from the prison in Inzegan, to the local prison in Ait Melloul. The aim was to deprive him from the right to write, to publish his opinions and short stories on the pages of UPES website or in the Moroccan newspapers. The case of Mustapha Abd Daiem is getting more and more known to international organization especially Amnesty International (North Africa) and Amnesty International US. The international organization issued a press release about his unfair trial and the US branch is publishing an action on its page about Mustapha. On another level, a campaign of letters was launched in solidarity with UPES in its endeavor to support Mustapha. The first to express support were Japanese journalist supporting Western Sahara, followed by the Uk Western Sahara Campaign, and Australia Western Sahara Association. These campaign of letters is the first step in a bigger campaign that will develop in a second step to be a campaign of letters to Foreign Affairs Ministries in all countries that can exercise pressures on Morocco on the subject. “The campaign, UPES Secretary General, Malainin Lakhal said, will take other steps in the future, and adopt additional ways to put more pressures on the Moroccan colonial authorities, until Rabat knows that it is no use to arrest Saharawi human rights activists, writers or normal citizens, and that the only good option is to release the political prisoners and enable the Saharawi people to exercise their right to self-determination and independence”.

Repsol says finds 3 new gas fields in Algeria

(Adds spokesman comment, details, Goldman Sachs downgrade, share reaction)

MADRID, Spain's Repsol (REP.MC: Quote) said on Monday it had found three new gas fields in Algeria that could produce 1 million cubic metres a day, but its shares failed to sparkle after Goldman Sachs cut its price target for the firm.

The three discoveries together are equivalent to 1 percent of Spain's gas needs, Repsol said, the most important of which is in the Reggane basin which showed flows of 629,000 cubic metres a day.

"We are optimistic because the flows are very good. They indicate there is great potential there," said Repsol spokesman Christian Rix.

Repsol has a 33.75 percent share in the Reggane bloc (KLS-1), while state-owned producer Sonatrach holds 25 percent, Germany's RWE Dea (RWEG.DE: Quote) 22.5 percent and Italy's Edison 18.75 percent.

Repsol shares were held in check by news that Goldman Sachs was cutting its price target by 2 euros to 21 euros, and fears over the nationalisation of assets in Libya [ID:nLN485321] and Bolivia, which seized control of a BP (BP.L: Quote) controlled producer on Friday [ID:nN23307550].

"If it wasn't for Goldman's downgrade, and the fear of nationalisation of oil assets in countries where Repsol operates like Libya and Bolivia, the company would be surging on the gas strike news," a dealer at a leading Spanish bank said.

Shares in the company were 1.6 percent higher at 13.99 euros by 1145 GMT, in line with the DJ European Oil and Gas index and Spain's blue-chip Ibex-35 index.

Repsol said the new wells confirmed the importance of Reggane in its strategic growth plans. Turning discoveries into producing fields normally takes three to five years.

The same consortium has also discovered a second field at the nearby Ahnet basin, with flows of 249,000 cubic metres a day at 1.28 km below the surface and 110,000 cubic metres at 1.34 km down.

Repsol and its partners have discovered a third field at Gassi Ghergui, with initial data showing flows of 158,000 cubic metres a day. It has a 45 percent share of that consortium, with Spain's Gas Natural owning 30 percent and Sonatrach 25 percent.

Repsol operates all the wells. (Reporting by Jonathan Gleave and Ben Harding, Editing by Peter Blackburn)

Repsol makes gas discoveries in Algeria's Sahara desert

Rapsol, a Spanish oil and gas company has announced three new discoveries in the Reggane, the Ahnet and the Berkine Basins in the Sahara desert in Algeria with a potential of 813 million cubic feet of net reserves.

According to the company’s statement published on its website, the initial testing of the fields showed a preliminary output of 35.3 million cubic feet per day, which the company said it is an indication of a high potential.

Repsol said the Reggane basin is a major driver for future growth and its holdings add up to total net reserves of 145 million barrels reserves.

The region in the western portion of Algeria is one of Repsol's areas of greatest potential growth, as outlined in the company's 2008-2012 strategic plan documents.

The consortium secured exploration rights during the 2002-03 Algerian bidding rounds. During 2005-07, three discoveries were made in Reggane.

The Algerian government in 2002 and 2003 awarded the Spanish company the rights to explore the fields along with its consortium partners, Algeria's state-owned Sonatrach, Germany's RWE DEA and Italy's Edison S.p.A.

Repsol operates the consortium with a 33.75 percent stake and RWE Dea has a 22.5 percent interest. Other partners are Sonatrach with 25 person and Edison SPA with 18.75percent.

"Un agente me empujó y caí al vacío"

Un estudiante saharaui dice que la policía marroquí le tiró desde un cuarto piso
"Nunca subían hasta allí. Por eso, cuando había manifestaciones y nos perseguía la policía, nos escondíamos en la azotea de la residencia de estudiantes. Pero ese día sí subieron. Eran unos 20 ó 30 agentes, no sé. Yo estaba con dos amigos. Nos pegaron. Nos insultaron. A mí me fueron llevando, a golpes, hasta el borde del edificio. 'O te tiras o te tiro, perro saharaui', me dijo un policía. Me empujó y caí". Elwali Elqadmi, de 23 años, recorrió en un segundo el vacío de las cuatro plantas de la residencia de la Universidad de Marrakech. Era el 14 de mayo de 2008. El Gobierno marroquí niega, a través de un portavoz de su embajada en España, que sus fuerzas del orden participasen en este suceso. "Negamos que ningún estudiante haya sido arrojado por agentes de seguridad marroquí desde la azotea de una residencia en la universidad de Marrakech", señalan.

El brutal aterrizaje le fracturó a Elwali sus dos piernas, el brazo izquierdo y le abrió el cráneo, recuerda Labeid, el traductor que le acompaña estos días en Córdoba. Allí, el saharaui está ingresado en el centro de rehabilitación de Fepamic (Federación Provincial de Asociaciones de Minusválidos Físicos de Córdoba). Y es que las peores lesiones las sufrió el joven estudiante de 3º de Sociología en su columna vertebral. Tiene rota la quinta vértebra y una fisura en la sexta. Sus heridas le han dejado en una silla de ruedas. No puede caminar y mueve con dificultad sus brazos.

Elwali es delgado y risueño. Sonríe a pesar del drama que le ha golpeado. "Hay que ser optimista y seguir adelante", dice sin dudarlo. Y cuenta su historia: "Dejé Assa, mi ciudad en Sáhara por dos cosas. Por un lado, sólo podía continuar mis estudios en Marrakech. Por otro, quería llevar a Marruecos la lucha del pueblo saharaui por su libertad", explica. Desde muy pronto, Elwali participó en marchas y actos en defensa de la independencia de la antigua colonia española del Sáhara Occidental. La que llegó a ser considerada una provincia más, fue invadida por Marruecos en 1976, lo que provocó una larga guerra entre los independentistas del Frente Polisario y el ejército del rey Hassan II. Además, cientos de miles de saharauis huyeron a los campos de refugiados de Tinduf, en Argelia. Elwali Elqadmi era un activista saharaui en el corazón de la vigilada sociedad marroquí, custodiada estrechamente por las fuerzas de seguridad. "A mí me conocía la policía. De eso estoy seguro", zanja el joven, que ya había corrido más de una vez delante de los antidisturbios en protestas tanto nacionalistas, como estudiantiles, que exigían mejoras en la enseñanza.

La manifestación de mayo que derivó en la tragedia de Elwali fue de éstas últimas. "Llevábamos unos meses quejándonos por las malas condiciones del campus y de los estudios universitarios en general. Además, poco antes de la manifestación, tres alumnos se intoxicaron por alimentos en mal estado. Ese fue el detonante de la concentración", señala.

La marcha del día 23 discurrió pacíficamente por el recinto universitario, ya que los estudiantes no tenían permiso para salir fuera. Según recuerda Elwali, la policía rodeó todo el campus. "Una vez que obtuvieron permiso del rector, entraron. Tiraban botes de humo y pelotas de goma. Todos los estudiantes corrimos. La policía nos perseguía con porras. Yo me refugié con dos amigos en la azotea de la residencia de estudiantes, pensando que no subirían hasta allí".

Minutos después, Elwali terminaba estrellado en el suelo, frente a los dormitorios de la residencia masculina. "Tras la caída no perdí el conocimiento. Me dolía terriblemente la cabeza. Pasaron dos horas y media hasta que me atendieron. Todo el mundo corría de un lado a otro. Al terminar todo, se dieron cuenta de mi estado. Me sacaron en una de las primeras ambulancias".

En el hospital de Marrakech fue operado de sus heridas. "Fueron unos meses terribles, lo pasé muy mal, con muchos dolores". Sus padres vendieron su vivienda de Assa para poder pagarle una clínica privada en Marruecos, donde esperaban que recibiese mejor trato. Finalmente, su historia fue conocida por una plataforma de asociaciones de apoyo al pueblo saharaui de Córdoba, que consiguieron trasladar al joven a la ciudad andaluza a finales de diciembre.

Ahora espera ingresar en el hospital de Parapléjicos de Toledo para seguir su tratamiento y lograr la mayor autonomía posible. "Luego volveré al Sáhara. Quiero seguir luchando por mi pueblo", dice.

Fuente: http://www.elpais.com:80/articulo/andalucia/agente/empujo/cai/vacio/elpepuespand/20090125elpand_7/Tes

AWSA supports UPES for the release of Mustapha Abd Daiem

The Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) expressed support to the Saharawi Journalists’ and Writers’ Union (UPES) for the release of the Saharawi prisoner of conscience and member of UPES, Mustapha Abd Daiem. The Australian organization expressed concerns, in a letter to the Secretary General of UPES, about the injustice to which Mustapha was subjected. Here is the complete text of the letter: -------------------------------------------------------------- 28 January 2009 Mr. Malainin Lakhal General Secretary UPES Saharawi Refugee camps Dear Malainin Free Mustapha Abd Daiem Campaign I am writing on behalf of the Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) to express our support for your campaign for Mustapha Abd Daiem, a Saharawi human rights activist, journalist and member of the Assa-Zag Branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights and the Saharawi Journalists’ and Writers’ Union. We are aware that Mustafa Abd Daiem is currently serving a three year prison sentence in Ait Meloul prison in Morocco and has been on a hunger strike to protest his situation. AWSA is concerned about his recent trial which we understand was highly irregular and thus his current prison sentence is unfair and unjustified. On 4 November, the Court of First Instance of Guelmim convicted him of offending the flag of the Kingdom of Morocco, rebelling and inciting an armed gathering, participating in the destruction of public property and participating in the contempt of public officials on duty. In addition to the prison term he was fined 50,000 dirhams (approximately US$6,220). The sentence also leaves him unemployed, as it included a prohibition of practicing teaching or working in any educational institution for a period of 10 years. Mustafa Abdel Dayem and his lawyers insist that the record of his questioning by the Royal Gendarmerie (procès-verbal), on which his conviction was largely based, was falsified and different from the one he originally signed. He was also denied his right to be defended by legal counsel during his appeal trial. We understand that Mustapha’s treatment is in response to his belief in Saharawi independence. This would appear to be another example of the abuse of the human rights in the occupied territory of Western Sahara, including torture, restriction of freedom of expression and unfair trials for those Saharawis who publicly express opposition to the Moroccan occupation. For these reasons AWSA strongly supports the campaign run by UPES for the release of Mustapha Abd Daiem. Yours sincerely Lesley Osborne AWSA Vice President/Secretary ------------------------- Related stories: 18/01/2009Western Sahara Campaign UK supports UPES for the release of Mustapha Abd Daiem 14/01/2009- Mustapha Abd Daiem transferred from the prison of Inzegan to Ait Meloul 24/12/2008- Free Mustapha Abd Daiem: Save the life of the family of a Saharawi prisoner of conscience in hunger strike 23/12/2008- Amnesty International: Irregularities in Saharawi activist’s trial 23/12/2008- The President of the Republic condemns Moroccan Forces kidnapping a 9 years old girl in Smara 21/11/2008- Moroccan court of appeal postpones the trial of Saharawi journalist to Nov 27 12/11/2008- Strong denunciation of the imprisonment of the Saharawi journalist Moustafa Abd daiem 06/11/2008- The President of the Republic denounced the condemnation of the Saharawi journalist Moustapha Abd Dayem 05/11/2008- Sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, Mustapha is transferred to Inzegan prison 04/11/2008- Three years imprisonment and a fine against a member of UPES 28/10/2008- Moroccan colonial authorities kidnap a Saharawi journalist and writer 28/10/2008- Violent confrontations in Assa between the Moroccan colonial forces and Saharawi demonstrators 22/07/2007- Moroccan regime harasses Saharawi journalist Mustapha Abdedaim again