Portugal and Mauritania say consent of all parties important for any solution to Sahara issue
Mauritania-Portugal, Politics, 7/26/2003

Portugal and Mauritania said Friday they hoped there will be a solution for the Sahara question that is acceptable by all parties, insisting that there is still room for dialogue.

Mauritanian foreign minister, Mohamed Ould Tolba, who is currently in Portugal on an official visit, said at a joint press conference with his Portuguese counterpart, Antonio Martins da Cruz, they evoked the Sahara conflict and they share the same opinion on the issue.

"We hope there will soon be a final solution accepted by all parties to this issue," said Ould Tolba, reaffirming that the issue remains a top concern for both northern and southern Mediterranean countries.

For his part, Portuguese foreign minister said his country supports a solution that is accepted by all parties.

Consultations at the United Nations Security Council are ongoing on the latest proposal of the UN secretary general personal envoy for the Sahara, James Baker.

France said last week it opposes any settlement to the Sahara issue that does not enjoy the consent of all parties.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council held an experts meeting to examine this issue but failed to agree on a draft resolution to support the latest plan for the Sahara floated by the UN secretary general's personal envoy, James Baker.

According to Morocco's ambassador to the UN, Mohammed Bennouan, some countries want to go ahead with supporting Baker's plan and ask parties to implement it while other countries oppose it on the grounds that the plan does not encourage negotiations between the concerned parties and tends to impose a solution.

Bennouna added that the Security Council was unanimous in extending Minurso's (French acronym of the UN mission in the Sahara) mission to serve peace in the Maghreb.

Morocco had officially notified to the United Nations secretary general its refusal of the latest plan proposed by Baker and said it remains ready to start dialogue to reach a fair and realistic settlement to the issue.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco, Portugal agree to boost strategic partnership   (7/1/2003)
  Moroccan king's visit to Mauritania set to boost already excellent relations   (6/24/2003)
  Morocco, Portugal agree to consolidate ties   (5/24/2003)

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