Security Council informed on sahara issue parties' responses to proposals on political solution
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/5/2003

James Baker, Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Sahara, on Friday conveyed to the UN Security Council the responses of the parties to the Sahara issue on the proposals of a political solution to the difference over the territory.

The discussions dealt with the peace plan and the proposal of a political settlement to the issue, Baker told MAP news agency at the end of the monthly luncheon of the 15 members of the Council.

The Council had adopted a resolution asking the U.N. Envoy to continue efforts to find a political solution to the protracted Sahara conflict. Baker visited the region last January and explained to the parties and neighboring countries the terms of a new proposal to politically settle the issue.

According to Baker, the Security Council currently study the peace plan and the responses of the parties.

The envoy, who renewed confidence that the issue can be settled through political and diplomatic channels, stressed will to continue working in this direction.

Baker held separate meetings with the permanent representatives of Morocco and Algeria to the United Nations, respectively Mohamed Bennouna and Abdellah Baali.

The Security Council will hold consultations on the Sahara issue after the publishing of the report of United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on May 19.

Annan will present his report few days before the expiry of the current mandate of the U.N. mission (Minurso) in the Sahara, due on May 31.

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