Spain says it respects UN Sahara settlement plan

Spain said it "strictly and scrupulously" respects the United Nations settlement plan for the Sahara.

"Naturally there are difficulties. But the government of Morocco perfectly knows our position," Spanish premier, Jose Maria Aznar told the press in Rabat.

The settlement plan provides for the holding of a self-determination referendum to determine whether the Sahara, a former Spanish colony, sets up on its own, as claimed by the Polisario front, or remains part of Morocco.

The vote is currently at a standstill due to disputes over who should be allowed to vote.

Jose Maria Aznar, who is currently on an official visit to Morocco, recalled that it was Morocco that proposed the referendum.

Aznar also voiced backing for the efforts being made by James Baker, personal envoy of the UN. secretary-general for the Sahara.

Baker, a former US secretary of state, toured North Africa last month to unlock the logjam.

Part of the drive, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited parties to the Sahara issue to meet Baker on May 14 in London.

Baker "intends to consult with the parties (Morocco and the Polisario) and the neighboring countries (Algeria and Mauritania) and, taking into account existing and potential obstacles, to explore ways and means to achieve an early, durable and agreed settlement of the issue," a U.N spokesman said earlier this month.