Morocco urges Algeria to allow UNHCR fulfil duly its mandate in Tindouf camps
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 10/8/2004

Morocco on Thursday urged Algeria to allow the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) "fulfil duly its mandate in (Tindouf) camps," and voiced "support" to carry on the visit exchange program between families in the camps and their families in southern Morocco.

Families in Tindouf (southern Algeria) and their relatives in southern Morocco have been separated for almost three decades because of the conflict between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists that are claiming the secession of Morocco's southern provinces known as the Sahara.

Speaking before the 55th session of UNHCR executive committee, Morocco's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, voiced hope UNHCR will assess more effectively the needs of populations in the camps, bring them assistance and guarantee their security and protection."

The ambassador reiterated Morocco's trust in "UNHCR constant efforts" and urged Algeria to "abide by its obligations as a State party to the 1959 Convention on refugees."

Hilale said Morocco deems the protection of its citizens in Tindouf camps a matter of "fundamental importance."

The Moroccan diplomat hailed UNHCR efforts in implementing the trust-building measures, particularly the visit exchanges program that benefited to many Sahrawi families.

The program, he said, allowed reunion of families "separated by an artificial conflict, and contributed to establishing truth about the situation in our Sahrawi provinces that are enjoying security, serenity, and freedom of populations who participate in the political, democratic and economic life in the country."

Hilale voiced hope the trust-building measures will pave the way for reaching a political solution to the conflict.

Previous Stories:
  Political leader: Algerian papers' disinformation shows Algiers' panic   (10/6/2004)
  Morocco is by no means interested in 'the arms shopping spree that has seized Algeria', media   (10/6/2004)
  Settlement of Sahara issue tributary of will of Morocco, Algeria, Tutwiler   (10/5/2004)

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