Chile supports political solution to Sahara issue, diplomat
Morocco-Chile, Politics, 12/2/2004

Chile backs the United Nations' efforts to find an acceptable political solution to the Sahara dispute, and also any effort aimed at improving relations between Morocco and Algeria, said Chile's ambassador in Rabat, Alejandro Carvajal Tamayo.

Chile, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, supports "any political solution to this issue," said Carvajal in an interview with MAP prior to the visit of King Mohammed VI to the South American country, part of a tour in the region.

The Sahara dispute is opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists that lay claim to Morocco's southern provinces, known as the Sahara. The former Spanish colony was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords signed with Spain and Mauritania.

"Chile is constantly working to help parties reach a consensual political and mutually acceptable solution to end once and for all this conflict that has been lasting for too long," added the Chilean diplomat, saying his country favors the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means.

"We maintain our position that was already reaffirmed by Chilean president, Ricardo Lagos," during his official visit to Morocco a year ago, he said.

Chile backs any move designed to improve relations between Morocco and Algeria through dialogue in order to facilitate the solution of the Sahara question, said Carvajal, referring to strains between the two neighboring countries because of Algiers' military and diplomatic backing to the Polisario separatists.

"It is important for the two parties to meet in order to discuss their differences," he deemed.

Chile is among south American countries that have never recognized the self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic "SADR," as it is the case for Brazil, Argentina, Guatemala and Uruguay.

Eight countries from South America have withdrawn their recognition of SADR in the latest five years, namely Equador, Costa Rica, Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Honduras.

The monarch's visit to Chile is part of a five-nation tour that already took him to Mexico, Brazil and Peru. After Chile he will fly to Argentina.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco hails Chile's stance on Sahara issue   (10/23/2004)
  Foreign minister delivers message from Morocco's king to Chilean president   (4/16/2004)
  Morocco and Chile to increase trade exchanges   (11/26/2003)

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