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{{Sahara conflict}}
== Welcome ==
'''MINURSO''' is the [[United Nations]] [[peacekeeping]] mission in [[Western Sahara]]. The name is a [[French language|French]] [[acronym]] for "'''Mi'''ssion des '''N'''ations '''u'''nies pour l'Organisation d'un '''R'''éférendum au '''S'''ahara '''O'''ccidental" - United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
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==Purpose of the mission==
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MINURSO was established in 1991,<ref name="UN_SRES6901991">{{UN document |docid=S-RES-690(1991) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=1991 |resolution_number=690 |accessdate=2008-05-02|date=[[29 April]] [[1991]]}}</ref> as part of the [[Settlement Plan]], which had paved way for a [[cease-fire]] in the conflict between [[Morocco]] and the [[Polisario Front]] (as the [[Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic]]), over the contested territory of Western Sahara (formerly [[Spanish Sahara]]).
! <div style="margin:0; background-color:white; font-family:sans-serif; font-size:120%; font-weight:normal; border:1px solid lightgrey; text-align:left; padding-left:0.4em; padding-top:0.2em; padding-bottom:0.2em;">Hello, '''Wallamoose'''! [[Wikipedia:Introduction|Welcome]] to Wikipedia! Thank you for [[Special:Contributions/Wallamoose|your contributions]]. You may benefit from following some of the links below, which will help you get the most out of Wikipedia. If you have any questions you can ask me on my talk page, or place '''<tt>{&#123;helpme&#125;}</tt>''' on your [[Help:Talk page|talk page]] and ask your question there. Please remember to [[Wikipedia:Signatures|sign your name]] on talk pages by clicking [[Image:Signature_icon.png]] or by typing four tildes "~&#126;~~"; this will automatically produce your name and the date. If you are already loving Wikipedia you might want to consider being "[[Wikipedia:Adopt-a-User|adopted]]" by a more experienced editor or joining a [[Wikipedia:WikiProject|WikiProject]] to collaborate with others in creating and improving articles of your interest. Click [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Council/Directory|here]] for a directory of all the WikiProjects. Finally, please do your best to '''always fill in the [[Help:Edit summary|edit summary]] field'''. Happy editing! [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 23:49, 12 September 2008 (UTC)

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MINURSO's mission was to monitor the cease-fire and to organize and conduct a [[referendum]], in accordance with the Settlement Plan, which would enable the [[Sahrawi]]s of [[Western Sahara]] to choose between integration with [[Morocco]] and [[independence]]. This was intended to constitute the Sahrawi people's exercise of [[self-determination]], and thus complete Western Sahara's still-unfinished process of [[decolonization]] (Western Sahara is the last major territory remaining on the UN's [[United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories|list of non-decolonized territories]].)
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To this end, MINURSO has been given the following mandates:
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*Monitor the ceasefire
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*Verify the reduction of Moroccan troops in the territory
*Monitor the confinement of Moroccan and Polisario troops to designated locations
*Take steps with the parties to ensure the release of all Western Saharan political prisoners or detainees
*Oversee the exchange of prisoners of war (through the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]])
*Implement the repatriation programme (through the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]])
*Identify and register qualified voters
*Organize and ensure a free and fair referendum and proclaim the results

===Plans===
The independence referendum was originally scheduled for 1992, but conflicts over voter eligibility prevented it from being held. Both sides blamed each other for stalling the process. In 1997, the [[Houston Agreement]] was supposed to restart the process, but again failed. In 2003, the [[Baker Plan]] was launched to replace the Settlement Plan, but while accepted by the Polisario and unanimously endorsed by the [[United Nations Security Council]], it was rejected by Morocco. Presently, there is no plan for holding the referendum, and the viability of the cease-fire is coming into question.

===Extensions===
The MINURSO mandate has been repeatedly extended since 1991.

In October 2006 the Security Council passed a resolution extending the mandate of MINURSO to April 2007.<ref name="UN_SRES17202006">{{UN document |docid=S-RES-1720(2006) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=2006 |resolution_number=1720 |accessdate=2008-05-02|date=[[31 October]] [[2006]]}}</ref> A provision decrying [[Human rights in Western Sahara|human rights abuses by Morocco in Western Sahara]] had the backing of 14 members of the Security Council, but was deleted due to French objections.<ref name="human rights">{{cite news | author = [[Reuters]] | title = UN shuns W. Sahara rights plea after France objects | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N31281581.htm | publisher = Reuters Alertnet | accessdate = 2006-10-31 }}</ref>.

The April 2007 the resolution extending the mandate to October took "note of the Moroccan proposal presented on [[11 April]] [[2007]] to the Secretary-General and welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution" and also took "note of the Polisario Front
proposal presented on [[10 April]] [[2007]] to the Secretary-General".<ref name="UN_SRES17542007">{{UN document |docid=S-RES-1754(2007) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=2007 |resolution_number=1754 |accessdate=2008-05-02|date=[[31 April]] [[2007]]}}</ref> The representative of [[South Africa]] took exception to the way that one proposal was held more worthy than the other as well as the lack of participation outside the [[Group of Friends]] in the drafting of the resolution.<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-5669 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=5669 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk08 |date=[[30 April]] [[2007]] |speakername=Mr. Kumalo | speakernation=South Africa |accessdate=2008-05-02 }}</ref>

The October 2007 resolution extending the mandate to April 2008 contained the same preferential wording in its in its description of the two proposals.<ref name="UN_S2007619">{{UN document |docid=S-2007-619 |type=Document |body=Security Council |year=2007 |document_number=619 |accessdate=2008-05-02}}</ref> The representative of South Africa commented on this again, and regretted the fact that the resolution "considered" rather than "welcomed" the report on the situation by the Secretary-General -- "presumably because [it] dared to raise the issue of the human rights violations against the Saharawi people", and quoted the warning in the report<ref name="UN_S2007619_page15">{{UN document |docid=S-2007-619 |type=Document |body=Security Council |year=2007 |document_number=619 |highlight=rect_183,614_828,770 |page=15 |accessdate=2008-05-02|date=[[19 October]] [[2007]]|title=Report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara}}</ref> about there being no mandate to address the issue of human rights.<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-5773 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=5773 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk08 |date=[[31 October]] [[2007]] |speakername=Mr. Kumalo | speakernation=South Africa |accessdate=2008-05-02 }}</ref>

The April 2008 resolution extended the mandate for a full year to April 2009.<ref name="UN_SRES18132008">{{UN document |docid=S-RES-1813(2008) |type=Resolution |body=Security Council |year=2008 |resolution_number=1813 |accessdate=2008-05-02}}</ref> Before the vote, the representative of Costa Rica expressed his "concern at the manner in which the draft resolution on which we are about to vote was negotiated" and a "difficulty in understanding the absolute refusal to include" references to human rights.<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-5884 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=5884 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk08-pa04 |date=[[30 April]] [[2008]] |speakername=Mr. Urbina | speakernation=Costa Rica |accessdate=2008-05-02 }}</ref>

MINURSO's budget is roughly 40 million dollars per year<ref>''Yearbook of the United Nations'', 2004, page 279</ref>.

===Bases===
There are two sets of teams, those in the [[Southern Provinces|Moroccan-controlled portion]] west of the berm and those in the [[Free Zone (region)|Sahrawi-controlled region]] and [[Tindouf Province|refugee camps]] to the east and in [[Algeria]]. The camps west of the [[Moroccan Wall|berm]] are located in [[Mahbas]], [[Smara]], [[Umm Dreiga]], [[Auserd]], and [[Dakhla, Western Sahara|Ad-Dakhla]]. The eastern camps include [[Bir Lehlou]], [[Tifariti]], [[Mehaires]], [[Mijek]], and [[Agwanit]]. There is also a liaison office in [[Tindouf]] which serves as a communication channel with Polisario leadership.

==Current composition==
As of October 31, 2007, MINURSO had a total of 242 uniformed personnel, including 48 troops, 6 police officers and 188 military observers, supported by 95 international civilian personnel, 145 local civilian staff and 23 UN Volunteers. Major troop contributors are [[Malaysia]], [[Russia]] and [[Egypt]]. Armed contingents patrol the [[no man's land]] that borders the [[Moroccan Wall]], to safeguard the cease-fire.
*'''Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of Mission''': [[Julian Harston]] ({{UK}})
*'''Force Commander''': Major General [[Zhao Jingmin]] ({{PRC}})
*Other personnel:
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== Candyland ==

I don't see why it shouldn't be included. However, I'd post it to the talk page first to get consensus. The reason I say that is this is obviously a controversial subject. If you add it to the article first, some editors would probably remove it for some reason. If you get consensus first and if most everyone agrees to add it, the people who remove it would be going against consensus. I hope this helps. Cheers! [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 01:35, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

== The truth? ==

I have provided sourced documentation demonstrating various factual innacuracies in the sexual harassment section. A couple have been remedied, but others remain and the section is grotesquely biased as it contains allegations made by persons never called to testify before the committee . ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:58, 14 September 2008 (UTC))

:::RafaelRGarcia has stated in the Discussion section of the Clarence Thomas article that Clarence Thomas is a "Perv". He deleted some of my talk comments. He has knowingly attempted to maintain false information on the Clarence Thomas page. I have tried to follow the rules of Wikipedia using the dicsussion page and RafaelRGarcia's talk page to communicate and explain why corrections to the Clarence Thomas Page are needed. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 16:13, 15 September 2008 (UTC))
:If you're being harassed by another editor, there are several options open to you. First, gather up the diffs so you can give evidence when explaining the situation. Then, you'll want to file a [[WP:WQA|WikiEdiquitte Alert]] or a [[WP:RFC|Request for Comment]], whichever you feel is more appropriate for the situation. I haven't been able to look into the situation at all, since I've been extraordinarily been the last few days, so I can't tell you much more than that. [[User:Useight|Useight]] ([[User talk:Useight|talk]]) 22:02, 15 September 2008 (UTC)

==Buddy Holly==

The changes are for the better. let me know if I can help with anything else. [[User:Alansohn|Alansohn]] ([[User talk:Alansohn|talk]]) 18:22, 15 September 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for your message. I did look around yesterday to see if there's a clear policy on this, but couldn't find anything helpful. It certainly would be policy to move that kind of detailed coverage from Rangel's own article to a separate article about Rangel's financial issues - but I don't believe such an article exists, and I question whether the topic is notable enough for such an article to be created. So I'm not sure. I happened to look at the article for other information, and was just struck by the cursory biographical notes in comparison with the current news reporting.[[User:KD Tries Again|KD Tries Again]] ([[User talk:KD Tries Again|talk]]) 14:22, 16 September 2008 (UTC)KD Tries Again

== A Friend in Need is Friend Indeed ==

Well, you're right. It does happen all the time. Basically all you can do is what you're already doing. It should eventually work it self out and I'll keep an eye on it. Let me know if you need anything else. [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 23:28, 15 September 2008 (UTC)

== Use the Force Luke ==

I ''think'' your real issue is that the [[Clarence Thomas]] article has given [[WP:UNDUE|undue weight]] to past allegations, which lends [[WP:NPOV|a "liberal slant"]] to the Thomas article. Am I correct in my assessment? If so, then what you need to do is find your own good and relevant souces to balance the article. Wikipedia, you see, is not based on the [[:truth]], but on [[WP:5P|certain core values]], such as [[WP:N|notability]], [[WP:CCC|consensus]], and [[WP:V|verifiability]]. If you can't do that, then [[Conservapedia]] may be where you want to do more work. [[User:Bearian|Bearian]] ([[User talk:Bearian|talk]]) 16:52, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

== Pee Wee Herman ==

:Uh, again. Read the source carefully, and you'll see there is no real criticism[[User:Someguy1221|Someguy1221]] ([[User talk:Someguy1221|talk]]) 16:12, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

:: The title of the article is: "Critics Question Reporter's Airing of Personal Views". ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:24, 19 September 2008 (UTC))

==Quoting from Newspapers==

The section I removed was that culled verbatim from the Newsweek article. The edits performed on the remainder of the (non-copied) section were matters of style and accuracy, and the least you could do would be to preserve those as good faith and paraphrase the rest of the material. I'm not trying to cause trouble, but you're reverting legitimate edits... [[User:Travishing|Travishing]] ([[User talk:Travishing|talk]]) 06:57, 22 September 2008 (UTC)

:The section I added was included on the discussion page of the article, and that's probably the best place to discuss this. Removing entire sections of sourced, verifiable, and notable material is not a legitimate edit. It's my experience that paraphrasing often results in people questioning whether every single word is actually in the article sourced. So you're correct that I stuck very close to the sources for the information I added. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 15:54, 23 September 2008 (UTC))

== Clarence Thomas ==

I agree that cited pages 442-511 is not very good, it is a huge document and the relevant information is impossible to find. [[User:Useight|Useight]] ([[User talk:Useight|talk]]) 04:51, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

== Dreams and Hope ==

Stop deleting my edits. If you want to add a citation tag that's fine. But my link (unlike yours) includes detailed information on page numbers and links to the pdf files. I have been very generous in not removing your extraneous and biased edits. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose|talk]]) 01:21, 7 October 2008 (UTC))

:No, it doesn't include detailed info.[[User:RafaelRGarcia|RafaelRGarcia]] ([[User talk:RafaelRGarcia#top|talk]]) 01:22, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

::The citation gives page numbers yet you continue to remove it. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose|talk]]) 01:30, 7 October 2008 (UTC))

RafaelGarcia's bad citations have been tagged for a long time. He has already been reprimanded for removing my citations and asked (again) to fix his (the ones I appropriately tagged specifically and that were already noted on the talk page and with a tag above the citations on the bottom of the article page). The RfC on the Thomas page and all of the dicussions have supported adding the information (only a single paragraph so far) of sourced material. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 22:52, 7 October 2008 (UTC))

:Wallamoose is lying. [[User:RafaelRGarcia|RafaelRGarcia]] ([[User talk:RafaelRGarcia|talk]]) 00:10, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

::You've repeatedly tried to call new witnesses some 15 years after the hearings and keep adding new material. Many editors have asked you to cut the section down and balance it, but you've refused.

::[Personal attack removed] Despite being caught in lie after lie you continue to harass me. Please refrain from posting on my talk page. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 20:47, 8 October 2008 (UTC))

==Zen Buddhism==

Kill them with kindness. [[User:CENSEI|CENSEI]] ([[User talk:CENSEI|talk]]) 18:19, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

:You are of course right, but I'm frustrated. Frankly, I was hoping with the RfC that I requested some time age, someone else would make the effort to balance and edit the article. I'm sick of dealing with [personal attack removed]. Also, I am AMAZED that anyone would argue the sexual allegations might have been the only issue in Clarence Thomas's nomination. And the efforts to smear a Supreme Court Justice with one sided POV is pretty disgusting. It's this kind of ignorance and radicalism that causes a lot of the world's problems. No joke. Thanks for your effort to encourage calm. I should take up yoga, or at least have some yogurt. Take care. And if I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion back: don't involve yourself in this dispute. It's not worth it. Many editors have tried to reason with Garcia. He's got issues.([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:26, 9 October 2008 (UTC))

:: Trust me, I got enough on my plate ... I dont want another pack on my back. Always keep in mind that someone with your ... how shall I put it .... editing interests can never expect help from most admins with these kinds of things, they are only there to hurt people like you, not help.

:: Dont let them post to your talk page, and don't let them provoke you. Take care and have fun. [[User:CENSEI|CENSEI]] ([[User talk:CENSEI|talk]]) 18:30, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

::::Pray for me. :)([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:33, 9 October 2008 (UTC))

==Squirrels==
I liked your second change to the misallocation of Fed funds part. To the point and straight. I was going to let you know on your talk page, but figured I'd catch up with you later on down the road and let you know.

:We'll see if it holds up though, the sources are opinion pieces which is why I went the "caused controversy route".

:I think some of the bad writing in the article is because everyone is overly cautious. The article is so contentious that if you put "committed voter fraud" it will 1) be taken out immediately or 2)changed to allegedly had some of its employees investigated for possible engagement in voter fraud.

:So I'm trying to be super neutral on there. But anyway. I think we're both tired (I noticed some typos in your recent posts). So I'm going to hit the sack. Thanks for your tips. We'll see what tomorrow brings (today actually). ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 08:33, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

Stay strong, good night.[[User:Bali ultimate|Bali ultimate]] ([[User talk:Bali ultimate|talk]])

== Trouble in Paradise ==

RafaelRGarcia has admitted to stalking me (bottom of page) and has refused to stop. The problems with this individual predate the posting of these accurate headers. Because of his activities I feel it's important that anyone viewing my page be made aware of the issues involved and the type of person I'm dealing with.

Since you've taken an interest I hope you'll put a stop to his abusive behavior.

Once again we have an example of a user failing to obey the rules and harassing me. I've given up on bringing it to the attention of Admins as I've been unsucessful in getting the situation resolved. It's been a waste of their time and mine, so I go about my business as best I can while having to deal with this individual who displays serious emotional and mental problems.

You can also check out his post on the ACORN discussion page: Revision as of 21:41, 8 October 2008 and 22:35, 8 October 2008. Had he ever been on that page before stalking me and posting harassing comments? And also his posts on my talk page after I asked him to stop posting there. And his reverts of my good faith edits on Rehnquist. (Do you want details?)

Regarding the Clarence Thomas article, it's not appropriate to maintain a smear job on a Supreme Court Justice (who RafaelRGarcia has repeatedly referred to as a Perv), and I've been patient and worked through the appropriate channels to the best of my ability to address this. If an Admin. wants to resolve the problem that would be great.

A dispute resolution process has begun on the talk page there, and I hope it will be successful. I'm looking forward to working on other projects (as I did when I left that page alone after posting and RfC the last time we had this problem). In the interim nothing has changed so I'm trying again, despite the difficulty in dealing with RafaelRGarcia's stalking, harassing and inappropriate behavior.

I don't have the time to refute every allegation against me, but I think it's pretty clear that this user has serious emotional and mental issues and is taking them out on me. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 22:09, 9 October 2008 (UTC))

:: As I am not the only person who assists on WQA, you will need to reply on the WQA page itself. <small><span style="border:1px solid black;padding:1px;">[[User:Bwilkins|<font style="color:#ffffff;background:black;">'''BMW'''</font>]][[User talk:Bwilkins#top|<font style="color:#000000;background:white;">(drive)</font>]]</span></small>

==KO article==

Line in question:
''The show has since gained a significantly larger viewership amid Olbermann's feud with rival commentator Bill O'Reilly, and his harsh criticisms of the George W. Bush administration in particular and rightward leaning politics in general.''

First phrase is covered in Feud with Bill O'Reilly section, second phrase is covered in Viewpoints section. You can find the references there. Let me know if I can assist further. [[User:Switzpaw|Switzpaw]] ([[User talk:Switzpaw|talk]]) 05:52, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

:I posted my discussion of this sentence on the article's discussion page. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 05:58, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

== Re: Barney Frank ==

Oh thanks, [[WP:PRESERVE]] is one of my pet peeves too, a policy too often neglected especially in contentious articles. I even wrote an essay over the summer contending content inclusion shouldn't be a popularity contest, [[WP:NOONUS]], contra another editor's take on the matter, WP:ONUS. -- [[User:Kendrick7|Kendrick7]]<sup>[[User_talk:Kendrick7|talk]]</sup> 21:33, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== Replied ==

FYI - I replied to your question on my talkpage at my talkpage. Thanks! --[[User:Guyzero|guyzero]] | [[User talk:Guyzero|talk]] 22:05, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== Good Citizenship Award ==

I hereby award myself a good citizenship award for extraordinary patience in the face of a harassing stalker. Such patience is truly remarkable, and it's unfortunate that administrators have refused to put an end to the madness.
([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 02:24, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

== October 2008 ==

Do I need to file a WikiAlert on RafaelRGarcia? His stalking has continued and its been disruptive to other editors.

:I've been too busy to check the WikiAlert page for a little while, but I also posed some questions for you and anyone else who wanted to answer.
:Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 23:35, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

::I hadn't read it. But I have responded to them now. I don't know what AGF is. What about stalking? He has already been warned about this on this very page.

::My concern with your recommended rephrasing of my headings is that Rafael has pursued me around Wikipedia and sought to incite conflict. So I felt it was important for anyone who came to MY talk page to understand what I'm dealing with. I am willing to consider changing the way they are worded, but first his stalking needs to stop. You haven't addressed it, and as my comments on the WikiAlert page indicate, you've been grotesquely unfair.

::You have also seemed to suggest that I have used inappropriate lanuage with other editors. And if this is the case I would ask that you cite examples. In fact, I've made an extraordinary effort to work collaboratively on some contentious articles and haven't had any major incidents of which I'm aware. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 23:52, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

I responded to your request that I change some headers.
:"My concern with your recommended rephrasing of my headings is that Rafael has pursued me around Wikipedia and sought to incite conflict. So I felt it was important for anyone who came to MY talk page to understand what I'm dealing with. I am willing to consider changing the way they are worded, but first his stalking needs to stop. You haven't addressed it, and as my comments on the WikiAlert page indicate, you've been grotesquely unfair.
:You have also seemed to suggest that I have used inappropriate lanuage with other editors. And if this is the case I would ask that you cite examples. In fact, I've made an extraordinary effort to work collaboratively on some contentious articles and haven't had any major incidents of which I'm aware."
Yet I received no response. Then when I was busy working on another project you defaced my talk page and removed a record of my attempts to request suggestions and help in dealing with harassment. Please explain.([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 01:49, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

== ACORN ==

Sorry to bother you again. I noticed your edit of the following:
"In 1994, the group was found to have improperly used a $1.1 million grant from AmeriCorps for political purposes and the grant was terminated.<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | coauthors = | title =Grapes of Rathke | work =[[The Wall Street Journal]] | pages = | language = | publisher = | date =November 8, 2006 | url =http://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/?id=110009214 | accessdate = }}</ref><ref>http://www.washtimes.com/news/2006/jan/03/20060103-093213-4084r/</ref>. Acorn says it does not now accept direct government funding and is not tax exempt.<ref>http://acorn.org/index.php?id=12342</ref>"
Simply deleted it saying it was in the wrong place. That doesn't seem very fair. Unless I'm confused you didn't move it anywhere. So thi issue caused me quite a bit of time searching forwhat happened to the information and trying to figure out where it went. Next time I would ask that in your edit you say you are removing it to the talk page for proper placement, and that you do so. I don't think it's appropriate to just cut stuff you don't like because it's not in the right area. If I'm mistaken I apologize. Thanks ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose|talk]]) 22:48, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

:I moved that sentence (slightly reworded) to the lead. Not in the same edit, but within a minute or two of the cut. However, last I looked, another editor took it out altogether. I wouldn't object to the sentence if we can find a good home for it (it has nothing to do with where it was placed at one point); on the other hand, I'm not really wedded to the idea we need it at all either. <font color="darkgreen">[[User:Lulu of the Lotus-Eaters|LotLE]]</font>×<font color="darkred" size="-2">[[User talk:Lulu of the Lotus-Eaters|talk]]</font> 23:43, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

::Saying you slightly reworded it is a bit of a stretch don't you think? I have a sense of humor, but I'd appreciate more of an effort to maintain the statement's significance in future "rewordings". :) I spent quite a while trying to figure out where it went...([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 23:46, 10 October 2008 (UTC))

:::Used the diff: [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Association_of_Community_Organizations_for_Reform_Now&diff=244429547&oldid=244428972]. Apology accepted. <font color="darkgreen">[[User:Lulu of the Lotus-Eaters|LotLE]]</font>×<font color="darkred" size="-2">[[User talk:Lulu of the Lotus-Eaters|talk]]</font> 00:16, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

:::: Oops. You're right. Although putting it in the lead it immediately got chopped up and spit out. Party on. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 00:44, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

::::: I am sure. :) [[User:Athene cunicularia|Athene cunicularia]] ([[User talk:Athene cunicularia|talk]]) 05:03, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
Walla: Here's a thought experiment. Reporter asks Obama "sir, have you ever beaten your wife?" Answer: "No, i have not." Then reporter can write either: "After questions arose about whether Obama beats his wife, Obama said he won't beat his wife." OR "Obama said he won't beat his wife." Which is fairer and less biased?
Now, if there's something from the Obama people saying "we were planning on working with these folks, but these fraud reports gave us pause" that's something else again. I'm not aware of them saying anything like that (and would be shocked if they did... they're too canny a campaign to have walked into that inference). Again, simple, declaratice sentences with the facts when we're dealing with facts. More latitude when we're reporting opinion, as long as we're very clear on whose opinion it is. In this instance, there's all kind of stuff about alleged fraud at acorn ops in the article above that sentence... let any reader that makes it that far draw their own conclusions.[[User:Bali ultimate|Bali ultimate]] ([[User talk:Bali ultimate|talk]]) 05:20, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

:Sorry if I messed up. But you edit tagline didn't seem to indicate that the information wasn't in the article. I will have to look and see, but from the title of the article it seems that Obama WAS responding to the voter fraud issue. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 05:25, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

See that we're good on this now. One thing about headlines: While they SHOULD be accurate reflections of what's in an article, they often aren't; harried editors write most headlines after scanning articles, and often get the gist wrong (i was a working journalist for 15 years). Also standards of accuracy in general for headlines are much lower than for body text at wire services, newspapers and magazines. Go well.[[User:Bali ultimate|Bali ultimate]] ([[User talk:Bali ultimate|talk]]) 07:10, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

== My unresolved requests for assistance to stop harassment ==

The following was deleted by an Administrator. I won't speculate on why they would take out the record of my attempts to get help.

:For the record this individual has now resorted to stalking me around Wikipedia. If anyone can suggest how to get rid of this pest please let me know. (Wallamoose (talk) 22:55, 8 October 2008 (UTC))

:Your edits are, quite rightly, listed in your contribution history, and anyone and everyone is able to "stalk" anyone and everyone else. RafaelRGarcia (talk) 23:01, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

::There is a page about this subject. I'd suggest both of you read it to keep this from escalating anymore. Thanks, Burner0718 Jibba Jabba! 23:04, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Thanks. I hope the information you've provided puts a stop this behavior. He's also ignored my request to stop posting on this discussion page. (Wallamoose (talk) 23:11, 8 October 2008 (UTC))

::You've wikistalked me since last month, so you have no right to complain. I just started to check your contributions elsewhere today, and I now see your pattern of edits and how much conflict you're generating. You've been abusive in your language towards me and other editors, so you'd never be successful in getting action leveraged against your opponents without also getting in trouble yourself. I'll stop posting on your talk page when you stop talking about me. RafaelRGarcia (talk) 23:14, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

:::The abuse continues. (Wallamoose (talk) 23:15, 8 October 2008 (UTC))

No prob. Once you say not to post on your talk page, you can revert further posts. Other than that, I'd really suggest you guys let it go. Burner0718 Jibba Jabba! 23:18, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

:I have proceeded to file a WikiAlert regarding this RafaelRGarcia's ongoing stalking. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 02:34, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

You can defend yourself. I would avoid fanning the flames too much though. Sometimes, people feed off of making others mad. If you remain [[WP:CIVIL|civil]] while defending yourself, either he'll get bored and move on or more people will come to your side. Ya' know? [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 03:12, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

:I'm not holding my breath... :) Thanks as always. I appreciate your guidance. Futile though it seems at the moment... Do you have any comment on a fire with fire approach? :) ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 03:28, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
::No comment... I asked an admin to look into the wikialert. Cheers! [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 03:44, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

==Report on the Incident Noticeboard ==
User Rafael Garcia is changing the title of my report on him.

04:35, 11 October 2008 (edit)

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Incidents&diff=244511722&oldid=244511540

Amazing!!! ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 05:52, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
:I don't think he's allowed to do that. [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 17:50, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

The Eagle has landed? ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 02:40, 12 October 2008 (UTC))

== My Questions being answered by nice peeps ==
{{tnull|helpme}}
Hi, I was wondering if someone can point me in the right direction or answer a few questions I have.

1) Regarding citations, is there a policy that stops a user from demanding citations to well documented and basic information? For example, "George W. Bush is a controversial figure in American politics". Obviously this can be cited, but does it have to be? My question relates to an issue where straightforward summarizing and the paraphrasing of basic facts is being blocked by a malicious editor. Is there anything that stops a user from abusively requesting citations for each and every word in a basic statement? I guess I kind of know the answer, but I don't really understand how to stop someone with malicious intent from endlessly using the tools of Wikipedia to impose their will. How does one stop this ownership issue from happening?

2) What are the guidelines for a talk page? My understanding was that this is my space to express myself. But I've been forced to remove a statement about a user stalking me. If someone is stalking me don't I have a right to let users reading my talk page know? If a situation is unresolved this seemed like a good place to post notice.

3) I understand the importance of consensus. But what happens when one or two editors don't agree with the rest of the editors? Even after dispute resolution and the recommendations of various Admins?

Thanks.([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 17:00, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
:#Yes. Read the policies on [[WP:V|verifiability]] and [[WP:RS|reliable sources]] for a better idea of what does and does not need to be cited. However, just because something may not ''need'' to be cited because 'everyone knows', it doesn't mean that it needs to ''not'' be cited. You should also keep in mind [[cultural bias]]; what 'everyone knows' where you're from isn't the same as what 'everyone knows' where I'm from.
:#You can place anything in your userspace that doesn't violate other policies. That means, for example, [[WP:NPA|no personal attacks]], and that you should demonstrate [[WP:AGF|good faith]] by keeping things [[WP:CIVIL|polite]].
:#You work your way up the chain of [[WP:DR|dispute resolution]]. Ask for a [[WP:3O|third opinion]], start an [[WP:MEDCAB|informal mediation case]], then try a [[WP:RFC|request for comment]], then move on to [[WP:MEDCOM|formal mediation]], and then you can go to the [[WP:ARBCOM|arbitration committee]] as a final resort. [[User:PrinceOfCanada|Prince of Canada]]<sup>[[User talk:PrinceOfCanada#top| t]] <small>|</small> [[Special:Contributions/PrinceOfCanada|c]]</sup> 17:05, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

:[[User:PrinceOfCanada]]'s answer is helpful. Here's some more.

:[[WP:V|Any uncited assertion can be removed from article text]]. If you want to write that George Bush is controversial and other editors ask for a citation, you must cite one or more reliable sources which say, spot on, that he is controversial.

:See [[WP:Talk]]. Article talk pages should only be used for discussing reliable sources and how they might be used to build the article. User talk pages are given wider scope, but [[WP:MYSPACE|Wikipedia isn't MySpace]].

:Although some policies, such as [[WP:BLP]], trump consensus, more often than not, if you don't agree with a consensus, the only non-disruptive way to go forward is to find other experienced editors who agree with you and politiely try again. This can take time. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 17:10, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

::Thanks! You have the patience of a saint. Do I need to remove the help me notation? What do I do after my questions have been answered?([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 17:12, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

:::Nope, that's already been done. For future reference, if you put 'tnull|' inside a template, it turns the template into plaintext. So you used {{tl|helpme}}, and we put <nowiki>{{tnull|helpme}}</nowiki> which turns it into {{tnull|helpme}}, when we've answered your question. [[User:PrinceOfCanada|Prince of Canada]]<sup>[[User talk:PrinceOfCanada#top| t]] <small>|</small> [[Special:Contributions/PrinceOfCanada|c]]</sup> 17:17, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

::::Great! Thanks again. For the record I haven't had a situation where I was unwilling to abide by consensus. But I am dealing with a situation where no amount of consensus or Admin input seems to resolve the content disputed by a single editor.([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 17:38, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

Regarding: "[[WP:V|Any uncited assertion can be removed from article text]] if you want to write that George Bush is controversial and other editors ask for a citation, you must cite one or more reliable sources which say, spot on, that he is controversial."

What if there are 100 articles saying Bush is the greatest president ever, and 100 saying he's the devil? This demonstrates he's controversial, but I don't know how you would cite that?

Also, why isn't there a preference for online sources that can be verified rather than assertions from books that may not be valid and are far more difficult to check? After all Wikipedia is an online resource and not a library.

([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 17:55, 11 October 2008 (UTC))

:You'd need to cite a reliable source which comments on those 200 articles taken altogether. In practice, there is a preference for online sources but in principle both fall under the same tests for reliability and verifiability. Printed sources can be quoted in citations, but need not be. <nowiki>'''This is how text is bolded on WP's wiki software'''</nowiki> ('''This is how text is bolded on WP's wiki software'''). [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:06, 11 October 2008 (UTC)

::Hmmmm. That would seem to make it very difficult to consolidate a lot of information into a good summary. The B in <nowiki><></nowiki> seemed to work. But I take it that is not the proper method? Sorry for bugging you so much. You're an angel. :) ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:12, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
:::<nowiki>'''Bold text'''</nowiki> creates '''Bold text''', hope this helps. [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 18:15, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
:::::Thanks Burner :) [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:17, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
::::::No problem. [[User:Burner0718|'''<font color="red">Burner</font><font color="gray">0718</font>''']] [[User talk:Burner0718|''<sup><font color="#000000">Jibba Jabba!</font></sup>'']] 18:18, 11 October 2008 (UTC)


'''*''' On May 7, 2006, South Korea announced an end to their participation in MINURSO[http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200605/kt2006050720021511990.htm].
Do you understand, Wallamoose? Put the text between three apostrophies on either side and it'll '''show up bold'''. Use two and ''it'll show up in italics''. Click on the edit tab and look at the source of this message. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:21, 11 October 2008 (UTC)


There have been a total of 15 fatalities in MINURSO: five military personnel, a police officer, a military observer, three international civilian personnel, and five local civilian personnel.
:Roger, roger. I was just curious about the <nowiki><B> seeming to work too</nowiki>, but it's not an important issue and I will use the method y'all have been '''kind''' enough to point out. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:30, 11 October 2008 (UTC))


==Criticisms==
Okay here's one for you. :) People seem to like cutting the heck out of quotes. Is there a way to put the fuller quote somewhere in the citation or another place? Sometimes it's a great quote, and there's not a great citation for just that quote, so it would be nice to give people the opportunity to read it more fully. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:26, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
In 1995, MINURSO's inability or unwillingness to act against perceived Moroccan manipulation of the process, and abuse of Sahrawi civilians, caused its former deputy chairman [[Frank Ruddy]] to deliver a strong attack on the organization[http://www.arso.org/06-3-1.htm]; he has since kept up his critique of what he argues is an economically costly and politically corrupt process[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_37_15/ai_56184193].


==See also==
And do new comments always have to go at the bottom? Or can you use colons to insert an intermediate comment into a discussion (as long as it doesn't break up an existing comment). And can I edit people's comments on my page? Like if someone says, "If you spend the next 100 years studying you can be a genius" to "You be a genius". Is it a good faith test? Shortening comments is okay but not in a way that changes the meaning? ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:37, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
*[[Foreign relations of Western Sahara]]
*[[History of Western Sahara]]
*[[Politics of Western Sahara]]
* [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1720]]
*''Western Sahara: Anatomy of a Stalemate'' by [[Erik Jensen (politician)|Erik Jensen]], former director of MINURSO (ISBN 1-58826-305-3)
*''Peacemonger'' by [[Marrack Goulding]], former director of UN peace-keeping missions (ISBN 0-8018-7858-6)


==References==
::Longer quotes can be included in the citation itself, which will show up in the reflist. Don't ever break up individual posts by interspersing comments within them. ''Don't change other users' comments at all'', in any way. However, you can delete them altogether from your talk page (but not an article talk page), or archive them. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:41, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
<references />


==External links==
What about a series of posts. Six different comments and I want to answer the third one. Does my comment have to go at the bottom or can I put it after the one I am addressing?([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:45, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
{{wikisourcepar2|UN Security Council Resolution 1541|UN Security Council Resolution 1541}}
*[http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minurso/ Official UN MINURSO page]
*[http://www.minurso.unlb.org/ A second official page from the UN]
*[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sc8077.doc.htm UN homepage] SC-resolution 1541 with background info
*[http://www.operationspaix.net/-MINURSO- A collection of UN documents regarding MINURSO] {{fr icon}}


{{United Nations}}
:::Clearly, you would post a further indented comment directly under the post you're answering. [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:48, 11 October 2008 (UTC)


[[Category:United Nations operations in Africa|Western Sahara]]
Am I allowed to change my own comments after the fact? Are there any rules governing this I should know?([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 18:53, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
[[Category:Politics of Western Sahara]]
:::You shouldn't change your own comments later, although correcting typos is ok. If you want to take something back later, <s>Strike it out like this</s> (click on the edit button to see how I did that). [[User:Gwen Gale|Gwen Gale]] ([[User talk:Gwen Gale|talk]]) 18:56, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
[[Category:Referendums]]
[[Category:History of Western Sahara]]
[[Category:United Nations Security Council mandates|690]]


[[ar:بعثة الأمم المتحدة لتنظيم استفتاء في الصحراء الغربية]]
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I didn't understand some of these issues very well, but I think I get it now. ([[User:Wallamoose|Wallamoose]] ([[User talk:Wallamoose#top|talk]]) 19:02, 11 October 2008 (UTC))
[[ca:MINURSO]]
[[de:Mission des Nations Unies pour l’organisation d’un référendum au Sahara occidental]]
[[es:Misión de Naciones Unidas para el referendo en el Sahara Occidental]]
[[fr:Mission des Nations unies pour l'organisation d'un référendum au Sahara occidental]]
[[it:Missione delle Nazioni Unite per il Referendum nel Sahara Occidentale]]
[[nl:Mission des Nations unies pour l'Organisation d'un Référendum au Sahara Occidental]]
[[ja:国際連合西サハラ住民投票ミッション]]
[[pl:MINURSO]]
[[pt:Missão das Nações Unidas para o referendo no Saara Ocidental]]

Revision as of 04:02, 12 October 2008

Part of a series on the
Western Sahara conflict
Background
Regions
Politics
Clashes
Issues
Peace process

MINURSO is the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara. The name is a French acronym for "Mission des Nations unies pour l'Organisation d'un Référendum au Sahara Occidental" - United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.

Purpose of the mission

MINURSO was established in 1991,[1] as part of the Settlement Plan, which had paved way for a cease-fire in the conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front (as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), over the contested territory of Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara).

MINURSO's mission was to monitor the cease-fire and to organize and conduct a referendum, in accordance with the Settlement Plan, which would enable the Sahrawis of Western Sahara to choose between integration with Morocco and independence. This was intended to constitute the Sahrawi people's exercise of self-determination, and thus complete Western Sahara's still-unfinished process of decolonization (Western Sahara is the last major territory remaining on the UN's list of non-decolonized territories.)

To this end, MINURSO has been given the following mandates:

  • Monitor the ceasefire
  • Verify the reduction of Moroccan troops in the territory
  • Monitor the confinement of Moroccan and Polisario troops to designated locations
  • Take steps with the parties to ensure the release of all Western Saharan political prisoners or detainees
  • Oversee the exchange of prisoners of war (through the International Committee of the Red Cross)
  • Implement the repatriation programme (through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
  • Identify and register qualified voters
  • Organize and ensure a free and fair referendum and proclaim the results

Plans

The independence referendum was originally scheduled for 1992, but conflicts over voter eligibility prevented it from being held. Both sides blamed each other for stalling the process. In 1997, the Houston Agreement was supposed to restart the process, but again failed. In 2003, the Baker Plan was launched to replace the Settlement Plan, but while accepted by the Polisario and unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, it was rejected by Morocco. Presently, there is no plan for holding the referendum, and the viability of the cease-fire is coming into question.

Extensions

The MINURSO mandate has been repeatedly extended since 1991.

In October 2006 the Security Council passed a resolution extending the mandate of MINURSO to April 2007.[2] A provision decrying human rights abuses by Morocco in Western Sahara had the backing of 14 members of the Security Council, but was deleted due to French objections.[3].

The April 2007 the resolution extending the mandate to October took "note of the Moroccan proposal presented on 11 April 2007 to the Secretary-General and welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution" and also took "note of the Polisario Front proposal presented on 10 April 2007 to the Secretary-General".[4] The representative of South Africa took exception to the way that one proposal was held more worthy than the other as well as the lack of participation outside the Group of Friends in the drafting of the resolution.[5]

The October 2007 resolution extending the mandate to April 2008 contained the same preferential wording in its in its description of the two proposals.[6] The representative of South Africa commented on this again, and regretted the fact that the resolution "considered" rather than "welcomed" the report on the situation by the Secretary-General -- "presumably because [it] dared to raise the issue of the human rights violations against the Saharawi people", and quoted the warning in the report[7] about there being no mandate to address the issue of human rights.[8]

The April 2008 resolution extended the mandate for a full year to April 2009.[9] Before the vote, the representative of Costa Rica expressed his "concern at the manner in which the draft resolution on which we are about to vote was negotiated" and a "difficulty in understanding the absolute refusal to include" references to human rights.[10]

MINURSO's budget is roughly 40 million dollars per year[11].

Bases

There are two sets of teams, those in the Moroccan-controlled portion west of the berm and those in the Sahrawi-controlled region and refugee camps to the east and in Algeria. The camps west of the berm are located in Mahbas, Smara, Umm Dreiga, Auserd, and Ad-Dakhla. The eastern camps include Bir Lehlou, Tifariti, Mehaires, Mijek, and Agwanit. There is also a liaison office in Tindouf which serves as a communication channel with Polisario leadership.

Current composition

As of October 31, 2007, MINURSO had a total of 242 uniformed personnel, including 48 troops, 6 police officers and 188 military observers, supported by 95 international civilian personnel, 145 local civilian staff and 23 UN Volunteers. Major troop contributors are Malaysia, Russia and Egypt. Armed contingents patrol the no man's land that borders the Moroccan Wall, to safeguard the cease-fire.

State Military Mil. observers Police Total
 Argentina 0 1 0 1
 Austria 0 2 0 2
 Bangladesh 0 8 0 8
 People's Republic of China 0 18 0 18
 Croatia 0 2 0 2
 Denmark 1 1 0 2
 Egypt 0 13 4 17
 El Salvador 0 5 2 7
 France 0 24 0 24
 Ghana 7 10 0 17
 Greece 0 1 0 1
 Guinea 0 5 0 5
 Honduras 0 12 0 12
 Hungary 0 7 0 7
 Ireland 0 4 0 4
 Italy 0 5 0 5
 Kenya 0 9 0 9
 Malaysia 0 14 0 14
 Mongolia 0 3 0 3
 Nigeria 0 8 0 8
 Pakistan 0 6 0 6
 Poland 0 1 0 1
 Russia 0 26 0 26
 Sri Lanka 0 2 0 2
* South Korea 20 0 0 20
 Uruguay 0 8 0 8
 United Nations 28 195 6 229

* On May 7, 2006, South Korea announced an end to their participation in MINURSO[1].

There have been a total of 15 fatalities in MINURSO: five military personnel, a police officer, a military observer, three international civilian personnel, and five local civilian personnel.

Criticisms

In 1995, MINURSO's inability or unwillingness to act against perceived Moroccan manipulation of the process, and abuse of Sahrawi civilians, caused its former deputy chairman Frank Ruddy to deliver a strong attack on the organization[2]; he has since kept up his critique of what he argues is an economically costly and politically corrupt process[3].

See also

References

  1. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 690. S/RES/690(1991) 29 April 1991. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  2. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1720. S/RES/1720(2006) 31 October 2006. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  3. ^ Reuters. "UN shuns W. Sahara rights plea after France objects". Reuters Alertnet. Retrieved 2006-10-31. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1754. S/RES/1754(2007) 31 April 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  5. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 5669. S/PV/5669 page 2. Mr. Kumalo South Africa 30 April 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  6. ^ United Nations Security Council Document 619. S/2007/619 (2007) Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  7. ^ United Nations Security Council Document 619. Report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara S/2007/619 page 15. 19 October 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  8. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 5773. S/PV/5773 page 2. Mr. Kumalo South Africa 31 October 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  9. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1813. S/RES/1813(2008) (2008) Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  10. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 5884. S/PV/5884 page 2. Mr. Urbina Costa Rica 30 April 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  11. ^ Yearbook of the United Nations, 2004, page 279

External links

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