Former sahrawi ambassador describes India's decision on SADR as severe blow

Former ambassador of the so-called Sahrawi Republic (SADR) to India, Abba Maa-El-Ainine, described India's decision to withdraw recognition of the SADR as a "severe blow."

In an interview with German daily Jung Welt, he related how he had been summoned to the Indian foreign ministry last June 23rd to be notified that diplomatic relations between India and the SADR had been suspended with immediate effect.

India officially announced on June 26 the withdrawal of its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Republic (SADR), self-proclaimed by the separatist polisario group which claims sovereignty over the Moroccan southern provinces.

"Keeping in mind all aspects of the evolving situation in the region and discussion currently on between the parties concerned, it has been decided to withdraw recognition of the SADR with immediate effect," it was officially announced.

He said, "The withdrawal of (India's) recognition was a severe blow."