Algerian statements on Sahara issue do not encourage UMA activation, FM
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/23/2005

Moroccan foreign minister, Mohamed Benaissa voiced "deep regret" at the Algerian statements on the Sahara issue, for they do not encourage "the activation of the mechanisms of the Arab Maghreb Union" (UMA - grouping Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania).

"At the time we were expecting the 7th Maghreban Summit to bode of UMA activation to fully play its role at the regional and international levels, we were surprised by, the least one can say, waspish statements in perfect disagreement with the constructive spirit, which ought to prevail in this meeting," Benaissa told the press before the opening here of UMA foreign ministers council meeting.

"We would have preferred that the Sahara issue be dealt with within the United Nations as Algeria wished," Benaissa said, adding the issue is not on the agenda of the Maghreban Summit.

The Algeria-backed "Polisario" has been claiming the separation of the Moroccan Southern provinces, known as the Sahara, since 1975 when Morocco retrieved the territories from Spanish rule under the Madrid accords.

Benaissa also wished the 7th Maghreban Summit would offer the opportunity to energize UMA structures to help achieve development for the people of the region.

A foreign ministry communique earlier said Algeria asked Morocco to accept and implement the 2003 Baker plan II, overlooked officially at the UNO that "called for the need to come out of the current impasse and advance toward a political and lasting solution to be negotiated."

Algeria even wants to give to the "Polisario Front" a status of a "liberation movement" ignoring that the majority of Sahrawis are committed to their Moroccanity, the communiquŽ said.

The council of foreign ministers is considering the results of the UMA follow-up committee which opened on Sunday in the Libyan capital to prepare the agenda of the 7th session of the Union Chairmanship Council, due to take place soon in Tripoli.

Previous Stories:
  Robbery and lynching by 'Polisario' separatists   (5/7/2005)
  Moroccan political leader: self-determination in Sahara issue is obsolete option   (5/6/2005)
  Public hearings points out 'Polisario' human rights violations   (4/28/2005)

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