UN chief offers condolences on death of Polisario leader

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday sent his condolences to the family of the Polisario leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, who passed away the previous day.

“Over the years, Abdelaziz had been a central figure in the search for a resolution of the Western Sahara conflict,” a statement issued by Ban’s spokesman said.

“In this capacity, he met with numerous United Nations officials, including successive secretaries-general, most recently in March, during the secretary-general’s visit to the Western Saharan refugee camps near Tindouf, Algeria.”

“The secretary-general offers his condolences to Mr. Abdelaziz’s family and to the Polisario Front as they mourn his untimely loss,” the statement said, adding that the UN chief “looks forward to continuing to work to help the parties to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara”.

Algeria has declared eight days of mourning following the death.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika also called on the Polisario Front in a telegram “to continue unity to defend their cause”.

The movement announced on Tuesday the passing of 68 year-old Abdelaziz after a long battle with illness.