Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA)

P.O. Box 846,Rozelle, NSW 2039, Australia Inc. 3496396

Email: lesleyosborne[at]bigpond.com
website: http://www.awsa-westernsahara.org/

Press Release Thursday, September 16, 2004

A step closer to freedom for Africa?s last colony

Following yesterday?s historic decision by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) to formally establish diplomatic relations with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the Australian Western Sahara Association (AWSA) congratulates both countries on their commitment to the cause of peace, stability, prosperity and dignity for all Africans.

AWSA calls on the Moroccan regime to end its illegal military occupation of Western Sahara, to immediately withdraw its occupation forces and stop the human rights abuses against the Saharawi people. AWSA also urges Morocco to abide by the United Nations Peace Plan and allow the organisation of a free and fair Referendum in Western Sahara.

The Saharawi cause, which parallels the East Timor struggle for independence, has unfortunately been ignored by our governments for a long time. AWSA calls on the forthcoming Australian Federal Government to join South Africa and 76 countries worldwide, in formally recognising the Saharawi Republic, given the widespread and popular support in Australia for the Saharawi cause.

Since the withdrawal of Spanish colonial forces and the Moroccan invasion in 1975, the Saharawi people have been working for their freedom. Today over 165,000 Saharawi live in four refugee camps in the Algerian desert. Thousands more Saharawi face arrests, torture, disappearances and killings at the hands of Moroccan occupying forces. Escape is blocked by a 2,400 km Moroccan wall dividing Western Sahara.

AWSA works to raise awareness of the Saharawi plight in Australia. .