Morocco urges for immediate release of Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/28/2005

Morocco called on Thursday for the immediate release of Moroccans that are sequestered in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps (southern Algeria), voicing concern over their degrading conditions.

Moroccan Communication Minister and Government Spokesman, Nabil Benabdellah, deplored in a press briefing, held here Thursday, the death of Mohamed Lahmadi, a Moroccan soldier held captive in the camps for 17 years before his release last Saturday.

Lahmadi passed away two days after his release because of his critical health condition. Morocco deplored that his jailers have awaited the deterioration of his health to accept to release him along with another Moroccan soldier who is also suffering from serious health problems.

"The death of Mohamed Lahmadi makes it crucial to immediately implement UN resolutions concerning the liberation of Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf camps, said Benabdellah, referring to 410 Moroccans who are still detained by the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists. This group is claiming the separation of Morocco's southern provinces (known as the Sahara), a territory formerly occupied by Spain and retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under Madrid accords.

Morocco urges the international community to help implement the UN resolutions on the release of the Moroccans who are detained in Tindouf camps, insisted Benabdellah, who was speaking following the Government Council meeting.

Morocco, he said, is deeply "concerned about the cruel, inhuman and degrading living conditions" of Moroccans detained in the camps.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Organization have repeatedly urged for the liberation of the Moroccan prisoners, some of whom have been held by the Polisario for nearly three decades. They are described by some humanitarian organizations as the longest-serving prisoners of war in the world.

After the release Saturday of the two Moroccan soldiers, ICRC welcomed this initiative, voicing, nonetheless, concern about the deteriorating health of the Moroccans still in captivity.

It reiterated its call for their release in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Previous Stories:
  Former Algerian president vows to militate for reopening of Moroccan-Algerian borders   (1/26/2005)
  Southern associations denounce Polisario practices as contrary to ICRC recommendations   (1/26/2005)
  Moroccan soldier repatriated from Tindouf, dies   (1/25/2005)

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