US administration firmly backs baker's efforts in Sahara, Burns
Morocco-USA, Politics, 12/12/2001

The US administration firmly backs efforts made by James Baker, personal envoy of the UN secretary general, to reach a solution to the Sahara issue, said US assistant secretary of state for the Middle East, William Joseph Burns.

Burns, who is visiting Morocco part of tour that already led him to Algeria and Tunisia, said at a news conference in Rabat Tuesday that the US administration firmly backs the United Nations and especially attempts by James Baker to reach negotiations means and find a solution to the Sahara issue. He said James Baker enjoys full backing on the part of the United States.

The UN Secretary general has proposed a draft framework agreement on the status of the Sahara -- a southern Moroccan territory that was formerly under Spanish rule and that was retrieved by Morocco in 1975, but whose independence is claimed by a separatist movement-- as an alternative to the settlement plan, which came to a deadlock.

Burns stated further that his talks with Moroccan officials will focus on the possibilities for the United States to contribute to Morocco's economic development and back the ongoing economic liberalization program that he described as "courageous." He has already met with premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi and foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa.

These talks are also an opportunity to discuss means of consolidating relations of partnership and cooperation between the United States and Morocco, a longstanding friend in this region, Burns said, adding his visit is meant to highlight Morocco's backing to and solidarity with the United states following the events of September 11.

Burns added that he discussed with the officials of the other Maghreban countries he visited these countries' relations with the United States and underlined the importance the US grants to this region, especially in the frame of its campaign against terrorism.

Previous Stories:
  US official starts talks with Moroccan officials   (12/11/2001)
  US ambassador lauds Morocco's role in anti-terrorism fight   (12/6/2001)
  A NGO calls international Red Cross to intervene to enable people sequestered in Tindouf return home   (12/6/2001)
  Aznar must choose between Morocco and the Polisario   (12/6/2001)
  USA backs U.N. efforts to settle Sahara issue   (12/6/2001)
  USA backs U.N. efforts to settle Sahara issue   (12/6/2001)

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