Moroccan Sahara: UN Satisfied that Africa Eco Race Crossed Guergarat 'Peacefully'

United Nations (NY) - Concerning the leg between Morocco and Mauritania, the United Nations has expressed satisfaction that the "Africa Eco Race" has crossed "peacefully" the Guergarat buffer zone on Monday. "We are pleased to see that the Africa Eco Race crossed Guergarat peacefully today," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during his press briefing in New York.

Dujarric recalled, in this regard, that the UN chief had called on Saturday for "the greatest restraint and to defuse tensions" following threats by the polisario to obstruct the passage of the Africa Eco Race in Guergarat. Antonio Guterres demanded the "maintenance of regular civil and commercial traffic" in Guergarat and called for refraining from any action likely to alter the status quo in the buffer zone. The UNSG spokesperson also reiterated on Monday "the United Nations' commitment to help the parties reach a just, durable and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara conflict in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions." This is the second edition of the "Africa Eco Race" which links Monaco to Dakar across Morocco, including the Southern Provinces. This edition was launched last week at the Tangier Med port with the participation of 688 competitors and 266 vehicles. Racers from 34 nationalities representing the five continents are taking part in the rally.