Morocco expects baker assignment to speed up referendum

Morocco voiced the wish to see James Baker's visit in the area this week speed up the holding of a referendum in the Sahara open to all people entitled to vote.

Covering latest development in the Moroccan Sahara issue, the head of Moroccan diplomacy told the Egyptian newswire the kingdom fully backed UNO settlement plan and the holding of a free and transparent consultation open to all natives and those legally entitled to take part in the referendum.

Some 130,000 people have appealed UN identification which turned them down calling for review and strict implementation of criteria agreed upon, he said.

Morocco, Benaissa went on, fully cooperates with the UN and backs guidelines by secretary general Kofi Annan. He also hoped Baker would find the right formula when he meets concerned parties this week in a bid to overcome roadblocks and help UNO settlement plan to go ahead.