The Republic of Ireland has denied recognising the Polisario Separatists following the speculations that the visit of the militia leader, Brahim Ghali, to the Republic of Ireland could be official.
The Irish Embassy in Rabat, Morocco has issued a statement emphasising that the visit, organised by a pro-Polisario micro-association, is in no way involving the Irish government.
The Polisario Front had exaggerated the significance of the visit to Dublin, Republic of Ireland on 15th February.
In response to rumors surrounding Ghali’s official visit to Ireland, the country on Saturday issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that the visit of Polisario Front was “private”, adding that it is “not on foot of an official invitation”.
The official statement from Republic of Ireland also specified that no representative of the Irish government met with Polisario separatists during their stay in Ireland.
Despite their repeated requests and the support of some intermediaries, the separatists did not have any meetings, whether official or unofficial, with key figures such as Prime Minister Leo Varadkar or Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin.
Furthermore, attempts by Polisario representatives to meet with members of the Irish legislative power were unsuccessful.
The Presidents of both chambers, as well as the President of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, declined meeting requests. Only a few sympathetic parliamentarians agreed to meet them on a personal basis, not on behalf of the parliament.
In addition, Ireland reaffirmed its longstanding position on the Moroccan Sahara issue.
Contrary to separatist allegations, Ireland does not recognise the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and fully supports the United Nations’ efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable political settlement on this matter.
This statement aims to clarify Ireland’s position and reaffirm its commitment to a peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict in Moroccan Sahara, in accordance with international law and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
