Morocco reiterates commitment to negotiate with all parties Sahara issue solution
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/23/2005

Morocco reiterated on Thursday its commitment to hold negotiations with all parties, under the United Nations auspices, to reach a fair, final and mutually-acceptable solution to the Sahara issue.

"Morocco recalls its commitment to start negotiations with all concerned parties, under the auspices of the United Nations, to reach a fair, lasting and mutually-acceptable solution to the protracted Sahara issue," said Morocco's delegate to the UN, Mohammed Bennouna.

The statement came as the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, published his latest report on the issue that confronts Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario movement which seeks the separation of Moroccan southern provinces, the Sahara, from the rest of the Kingdom. This former Spanish colony was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords.

Morocco also hoped that Annan's recommendation for a 6-month extension of the mandate of MINURSO (French acronym for the UN mission deployed in the Sahara since 1991) will be used to start these negotiations, Bennouna told MAP.

He added that Morocco appreciates the MINURSO work in the control of the cease-fire, proclaimed in 1991, and peace-keeping and expresses unreserved support to the UN mission.

"This priceless contribution to stability in the Maghreb will help, together with a final political solution, the region to reach a harmonious development to the interest of all the peoples," he went on.

The diplomat also highlighted that the UN secretary general's latest report, in addition to its political aspects, urges once again for the release of over 400 Moroccan prisoners still held in the Tindouf camps (stronghold of the Polisario, southwestern Algeria), in total violation of the international humanitarian law and the numerous resolutions of the UN security council.

"Our co-citizens, the world's longest held prisoners, are victims of extremely serious crimes that are going on in impunity," he further deplored.

In his latest report, dated April 20, Annan, noted the "encouraging increase in high-level contacts in the region" and voiced willingness to help "parties" reach a political solution to the Sahara.

The UN Secretary general also expressed "concerned by the most recent reported statement from the Polisario leadership that a return to arms may be closer than ever." He deemed that the size of the MINURSO (French acronym for the United Nations Mission in Western Sahara) should not be reduced. "I remain concerned that this would not be advisable at this stage. Given the prevailing conditions on the ground, MINURSO should be in a position to provide an adequate response and ensure the effective monitoring of the ceasefire."

Previous Stories:
  NGO denounces 'atrocities' in Tindouf camps before UN rights commission   (4/19/2005)
  Al Ahram Al-Arabi: relations between Morocco, Algeria grow warmer   (4/18/2005)
  Jeune Afrique l'Intelligent: Serious drop in number of countries recognizing Polisario's SADR   (4/18/2005)

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