The recent visit to Ireland by the leader of the separatist Polisario militia, Brahim Ghali, has sparked strong reactions and necessitated clarification from Irish authorities. Contrary to separatist propaganda claims, Ghali’s visit was not of an official nature but rather private. In an official statement released by its embassy in Rabat, Ireland emphasized that the visit was organized by a pro-Polisario micro-association active in Ireland, and the Irish government was in no way involved or responsible for this initiative.
According to the statement, no member of the Irish government met with Polisario representatives during their stay in Ireland. Despite their attempts and the support of some intermediaries, the separatists did not have any meetings, whether official or unofficial, with figures such as Prime Minister Leo Varadkar or Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin.
Similarly, Polisario representatives were not received by the Irish legislative power. The presidents of both chambers, as well as the president of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, declined to meet with them. Only a few sympathetic parliamentarians agreed to meet them on a personal basis, not on behalf of the Parliament.
Furthermore, Ireland’s position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains unchanged and has been reaffirmed. Ireland does not recognize the alleged “SADR” and fully supports the United Nations-led process to achieve a mutually acceptable political settlement on this matter.
This clarification aims to dispel any confusion and reaffirm Ireland’s commitment to a peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict in Moroccan Sahara, within the framework of international principles and efforts.