Russia has condemned United States President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. It says this is a contravention of international law. Trump had announced on Thursday that Morocco was now the fourth Arab state this year to recognize Israel.

Al Arabiya reports that Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called the US decision “unilateral”. Bogdanov added that “there are relevant resolutions, there is the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.”

Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony. It is currently disputed and divided, but reportedly mostly under Morocco’s control. According to Al Arabiya tensions with the pro-independence Polisario Front have been simmering since the 1970s. The Polisario, which is backed by Algeria, holds a fifth of Western Sahara. It has been fighting for decades for self-determination.

Trump’s move, while’ fulfilling’ Morocco’s goal of sovereignty in Western Sahara, is part of his continued push to bring Israel and Arab states together.

Umm Muhammed Umar