No viable settlement to Sahara issue without parties' agreement, Spanish fm
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 11/24/2003

There will be no viable settlement to the Sahara issue without the agreement of concerned parties, said Friday Spanish foreign minister, Ana Maria Palacio.

It is under Spanish chairmanship that the Security Council adopted resolution 1495 on the Sahara, Palacio who visited Morocco on Friday said, adding that the document insists on the consent of parties for the application of any solution."

Speaking at the program "Special Guest" of Morocco's TV Channel (2M), the head of Spanish diplomacy insisted that consent is crucial and this opinion is shared by the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.

On the latest plan submitted by the UN Secretary general's personal envoy for the Sahara, James Baker, and that was turned down by Morocco, Palacio conceded that "it is complex and contains unclear suggestions."

Asked on human rights violations in the Polisario-controlled camps in Tindouf (southwestern Algeria) and on reports that Moroccan prisoners held in these camps are being subject to forced labor, the foreign minister said "her country's government will check this information and take the necessary and logical measures."

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan diplomat accuses some Spanish circles of triggering aversion against Morocco   (11/14/2003)
  Spanish NGOs and Media support Morocco's Condemnation of Racist Assaults against Moroccans   (11/13/2003)
  Spain-Based NGO, French HR foundation discuss situation of Moroccan POWs in Tindouf   (10/25/2003)

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