The United Nations defended Staffan de Mistura's Wednesday visit to South Africa, stating it falls within his «mandate» to consult with interested parties on the Western Sahara issue. Responding to a journalist's inquiry, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized de Mistura's freedom to engage with relevant parties to re-launch the political process. Dujarric noted that de Mistura has previously met with representatives from Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. These countries are not directly involved in managing the conflict or being members of the Friends of Western Sahara group (comprising the U.S., Russia, UK, France, and Spain). He further endorsed de Mistura's «discreet» approach in engaging with various parties. «As the Secretary-General says, certain things require discreet diplomacy», Dujarric remarked.
