UN Security Council adopts resolution on Moroccan Sahara
Morocco-UN, Politics, 8/1/2003

The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted on Thursday resolution 1495 on the Sahara, whereby the Council continues to support the efforts of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, and his Personal Envoy, James Baker, on the basis of agreement between the two parties.

By virtue of chapter VI of the UN charter, the Council equally backs their (Annan and Baker) peace Plan for the Sahara, which represents an optimum political solution based on agreement between the parties, reads the resolution.

"Nothing is imposed on Morocco," Morocco's ambassador to the UN, Mohamed Bennouna, said after the adoption of the resolution.

Chapter VI of the UN Charter deals with peaceful settlement of differences, notably through negotiation, investigation, mediation and reconciliation but does not include a solution imposed on the sides of the conflict without their consent.

Under the new resolution on the Moroccan Sahara, the Security Council asks the parties to work with the United Nations and with each other towards the acceptance and implementation of the peace Plan. It also calls upon all parties and States of the region to cooperate fully with the Secretary General and his personal envoy.

The UN organization reaffirmed its demand to the Polisario (Algeria-backed secessionist group claiming the independence of Moroccan southern provinces), to release without further delay all remaining prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law.

It has also decided to extend the mandate of the UN mission for the Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2003 and to remain seized of the matter.

Previous Stories:
  Disagreement persists in security council over Baker plan on sahara   (7/30/2003)
  Security Council members disagree over draft resolution to support Bakers' plan on Sahara   (7/25/2003)
  Most Security Council members oppose Baker's plan on Sahara   (7/18/2003)

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