"The illegal occupation of Western Sahara is legitimized by individuals and corporations who deal with Morocco for the natural resources of the territory", stated the a letter sent from Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic/Frente Polisario to Total's Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie, today 6 December 2012.
The letter asks Total to "refrain from any such activity without the approval of [the Saharawi] government", from WSRW understands.
The letter is sent the same day as Total's licence with the Moroccan state oil company ONHYM likely will terminate. Total signed an agreement most probably on 6 December 2011, and it is probable that it is lasting for exactly 12 months, meaning until today. Total's massive block was only been revealed last week.
"The conflict over Western Sahara is prolonged, and the Saharawi people denied their economic future, by exploration and development of our natural resources", stated the letter to Mr. Margerie.
One of the richest coastlines in the world
The fish stocks of occupied Western Sahara have not only attracted the interest of the Moroccan fleet: other foreign interests are also fishing in the occupied waters through arrangements with Moroccan counterparts. Along the Western Saharan coastline, a processing industry has emerged.
The CJEU Court Cases
Keeping track of the many legal proceedings relating to Western Sahara is not easy. This page offers an overview of the cases concerning the territory that have been before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
Tūhana human rights advisors ignore human rights
A consultancy hired to assess phosphate imports from occupied Western Sahara into New Zealand concludes there is no problem.
MEPs push back on Commission over Western Sahara in EU–Morocco trade
MEPs from across the political spectrum sharply criticised the European Commission over its handling of EU-Morocco trade relations covering occupied Western Sahara, raising concerns over legality, transparency and an apparent disregard for Parliament’s role.