International

Ban Ki-moon regrets Western Sahara “occupation” comment

Published

8 years ago

March 29, 2016

Ban Ki-moon regrets Western Sahara "occupation" comment

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon says he regrets a ‘misunderstanding’ over using the word ‘occupation’ to describe Morocco’s annexation of W.Sahara saying he regrets using the word.

Morocco took over the arid territory along the Atlantic Ocean from colonial power Spain in 1975, and earlier this month Ban used the word “occupation” to describe Morocco’s annexation of Western Sahara and his comments led to Morocco expelling dozens of US staff.

“His use of the word was not planned, nor was it deliberate, it was a spontaneous, personal reaction. We regret the misunderstandings and consequences that this personal expression of solicitude provoked,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.

Ban’s controversial comments is Morocco’s worst dispute with the UN since 1991.

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