Polisario separatists reject negotiations on final political solution to Sahara issue
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/27/2005

The Polisario announced that it refuses to indulge in any final political solution to the Sahara dispute opposing the Algeria-backed separatists to Morocco.

The Polisario expressed this negative attitude in reaction to the latest report submitted by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan to the Security Council.

In a letter to the Security Council, the Polisario regrets that Annan disregarded the settlement plan, the Houston accord and the Baker plan and considers that "the cease-fire should not become an end in itself or the only goal of the UN involvement" in the Sahara issue.

While Morocco had expressed 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, the Polisario letter shows the disarray of the separatists.

Backed by neighboring Algeria, the Polisario front has been seeking, since 1976, the separation of the Moroccan Southern Provinces, known as the Sahara, from the rest of the Kingdom. The former Spanish colony was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords.

In his report, 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 "concern 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:
  Morocco reiterates commitment to negotiate with all parties Sahara issue solution   (4/23/2005)
  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)

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