Very involved in the political process led by the United Nations, Spain proves a keen interest in the issue of Sahara. In addition to logistical support to Staffan de Mistura, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Spanish government contributes financially to the budget of Minerso. According to the Spanish government, Madrid has paid out more than four billion dollars since the creation of the UN mission in 1991, which announced the figure in a written response to Senator Carles Mullet. As Europa Press reports, the latter inquired about the efforts made by his country to support Minerso.

According to the document cited by the Spanish agency, Spain contributes 2.1% of the budget of the mission. However, the Iberian neighbor has not provided the United Nations with military personnel to reinforce the ranks of the mission responsible for ensuring compliance with the ceasefire signed in 1991.

The Spanish government, in its response, affirmed the mission’s mandate to be a “watchful observer” of development, while expressing a willingness to participate constructively in the success of negotiations between the parties to the conflict. Also the Spanish executive wants to “co-sponsor the relevant draft proposals”, confirms the same source.

Recall that Spanish diplomacy showed a particular interest in the question of the Sahara, after José Manuel Albers came to the head. The latter met several times with the UN envoy, Staffan de Mistura, for whom he reserved a military jet to travel to as part of his field trips. If Madrid shows such interest, it is because it is part of the group of friends of the Sahara within the United Nations, which includes the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and France.