Ireland Refutes Polisario's Manipulative Manoeuvres

In a recent diplomatic episode, Ireland found itself at the centre of a crude attempt at manipulation orchestrated by the leader of the Polisario separatist militia, Brahim Ghali. The latter, in the throes of media hype, pretended to be on an "official" visit to Dublin, in a bid to artificially legitimise his separatist cause. In the face of this blatant attempt at mystification, the Irish authorities have raised their voices to firmly denounce these deceptive manoeuvres.

In a scathing and unambiguous statement issued through its Embassy in Rabat, Ireland dispelled the shadows of the Polisario lie. Firstly, it is emphasised that the Polisario leader's presence in Ireland was strictly "private" and not "official", as the separatist propagandists had claimed. Ireland's official statement clarifies: "The visit of Polisario Front representatives to Ireland last week was a private visit", organised by a pro-Polisario micro association operating in Ireland. The Irish government made it clear that it was in no way involved in or responsible for this activity, which it had not authorised.

In the same vein, it is categorically stated that the separatists were not received by any member of the Irish government. Ireland's official statement, issued by its Embassy, points out with acerbic phlegm that the separatists' visit "was not based on an official invitation". Despite their insistent requests and the support of their intermediaries, the separatists had no discussions - either official or unofficial - with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar or his services, nor with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin.

It is also stated that the agents of the separatist militia have not been received by the Irish legislature. The Speakers of both Houses, as well as the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, declined to meet with them. Only certain members of parliament who were sympathetic to the separatist group and who acted as their intermediaries welcomed them, in a personal capacity - and not on behalf of Parliament.

Ireland's position on the question of the Moroccan Sahara has been vigorously reaffirmed. Ireland's official statement, issued by its embassy, states unequivocally that "Ireland does not recognise" the so-called "SADR" (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic).

Finally, it is emphasised that Ireland, faithful to its constructive stance, maintains a firm and constant position. This position, in line with the principles of the Irish government, is reaffirmed in today's official Irish statement: "Ireland's longstanding position on Western Sahara is one of full support for the United Nations-led process and the Secretary-General's efforts to achieve a final and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue".