Switzerland Reaffirms Absence of Official Polisario Representation

Wednesday 22 May 2024 - 12:05

In a clear rebuke, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has affirmed that no official representation of the Polisario Front exists either at the United Nations Office in Geneva or with the Federal Council, the Swiss government.

Through a verbal note addressed to the Moroccan Embassy in Bern, the Department explicitly stated that the Polisario Front office in Geneva does not benefit from any privileges or immunities within Switzerland's borders.

This unequivocal clarification, which constitutes a fresh setback for the Polisario's aspirations, also served as a stern reminder for the self-styled "representative" in Switzerland to refrain from employing titles suggestive of official diplomatic representation.

The Swiss government's firm stance comes in the wake of the Polisario representative's attempt to portray himself as an official ambassador to the United Nations and international organizations based in Geneva, a claim that has now been firmly rejected.

By reasserting the absence of any recognized Polisario representation within its territory, Switzerland has once again underscored its unwavering adherence to international law and norms. This move is a resounding affirmation of the nation's commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while simultaneously denying the Polisario Front any semblance of legitimacy or diplomatic standing.

The Swiss government's unambiguous position on this matter serves as a potent reminder of the Polisario's ongoing struggle to garner widespread international recognition, further highlighting the organization's increasingly tenuous position on the global stage.