Settlement of Sahara issue lies in UN framework-agreement, Moroccan fm

The final settlement of the Sahara issue lies in the framework-agreement of James Baker, the UN secretary general special envoy for the Sahara, Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, told Algerian daily "Ashourouq Al Yaoumi."

Benaissa, who took part in Algiers this January 16-17 in the ministerial conference of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), said the framework agreement gives a final and comprehensive solution that is satisfactory to all parties in the conflict, therefore, there is no need to waste time on any other solution.

Asked on whether linking the Arab Maghreb Union construction to the Sahara issue is not obstructing the Maghreb Union, the head of the Moroccan diplomacy explained that protecting Morocco's national sovereignty and of other UMA member-countries is the foundation of the Maghreb construction. He insisted that all member countries know the Sahara issue and that without a final and comprehensive settlement to the Sahara issue, it would be impossible to have a unified Arab Maghreb.

Regarding Moroccan-Algerian relations, Benaissa said there has been no progress over pending issues, but argued that these issues can be overcome by dialogue and mutual trust. "Things are now clear and only a strong will to handle issues with realism is needed, he went on saying "we are waiting for the Algerian side to start an overall dialogue to find lasting solutions to pending divergences."

Asked on whether a summit between King Mohammed VI and Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika is projected, he answered that for the moment, no summit is on the agenda.

He further told the newspaper the UMA ministerial council was important and rich in technical decision on the union's institutions before stressing the need to overcome existing political divergences in the Maghreb in order to consolidate the grouping's construction.

Of Moroccan-Spanish bilateral relations after Spain took over the European Union rotating 6-month chairmanship, he said Morocco is treating with the EU as a single institution and Morocco's divergences with Spain are not limited to the Sahara issue but also encompass the problem of illegal immigration, the issue of Sebta and Melilia (two northern Moroccan towns still occupied by Spain). He insisted that Spain's holding of the EU chairmanship will not alter Morocco's stance regarding the retrieval of its territories.