Mauritanian party denies backing Polisario
Mauritania-West Sahara, Politics, 8/20/1998

Secretary-General of the Mauritanian party "Union of Democratic Forces-New Era," Ahmed Ould Daddah, denied on Wednesday that his party has extended any support to the Polisario movement, which works for the independence of the Western Sahara from Morocco.

In a press release faxed to Moroccan news agency bureau in Paris, Ould Daddah, who denied reports that circulated in this regard, said that a 15-member dissident group from his party illegally used the name of the "Union of Democratic Forces" in connection with some acts with which the leaders and grassroots of the Mauritanian party disapprove.

Chief of the "Union of Democratic Forces" said further that his party is not responsible for the acts and deeds of the dissident group which represents only itself. He also affirmed that his party remains attached to its position regarding the Sahara issue and which consists of backing the UN settlement peace plan.

The UN plan provides for the holding of a referendum in the Sahara, a former Spanish colony, which Morocco retrieved in 1975 under the Madrid Tripartite accords.

The referendum is designed to determine whether the Sahara sets up on its own or incorporates with Morocco.

Initially set for next December 7, the referendum will most likely be postponed until the beginning of 1999, due to delays in the identification operation.

The U.N. mission for the referendum in the Sahara (Minurso) has so far identified some 145,928 eligible voters to participate in the projected referendum.

Previous Stories:
  UNDP launches anti-poverty program in Mauritania   (8/12/1998)
  U.N. chief recommends extension of U.N. Sahara Mission   (7/14/1998)
  Moroccan prime minister accuses Polisario of hampering voter identification   (6/29/1998)

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