Extension of MINURSO Mandate Consecrates Accords between Morocco, U.N., Moroccan U.N. Representative Says
Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999

The United Nations security council decision to extend the mandate of the MINURSO "consecrates the accords concluded between the U.N and Morocco," regarding the proposals made four months ago by the Secretary-General, the Moroccan permanent representative to the U.N said.

The U.N. Security Council extended last week the MINURSO (U.N. mission supervising preparations for referendum in the Sahara) mandate until next September 14 so that the identification of would-be voters in the referendum, projected to be held in July 2000, resumes next June.

The MINURSO which supervises a cease-fire in force since September 1991 currently comprises 203 military observers, 10 staff officers, 248 troopers and 80 civilian police observers.

The diplomat told the Moroccan second tv channel "2M" that Kofi Annan's proposals, which were mainly aimed to speed up the referendum operation, included an arbitration of the Secretary-General regarding the registration applications rejected by the other party (Polisario), he said. He explained that Annan is supporting Morocco's stance that these tribes be covered by the identification operation.

Snoussi also renewed Morocco's attachment to the Houston accords, concluded in 1997 between Morocco and Polisario under the brokerage of former U.S Secretary of State, James Baker. The accords set new criteria for the identification of would-be voters in the referendum, paving thus the way for the resumption of the identification operation after almost a two-year suspension.

"Morocco is attached to the Houston accords to register the members of the three tribes (referred to as H41, H61 and J51-52) contested by the Polisario," Snoussi said citing the existence of a new plan to lower down the obstacles still hampering the completion of the identification operation.

Snoussi underlined that Kofi Annan's proposals and the protocols, which have been included in an accord, set new means for the future action of the MINURSO.

The accord will "correct mistakes" made during the first phase of the MINURSO's work and to which Morocco had attracted attention, he added, underlining Morocco's will to continue backing the MINURSO and the U.N. efforts for the carrying out of the settlement plan.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco: Polisario idea to gather sequestered sahrawis is no man's land is unacceptable   (5/17/1999)
  Romanian - Moroccan ties to be strengthened, more support on Sahara   (5/15/1999)
  Security council extends MINURSO mandate to next Sept 14   (5/15/1999)

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