Algerian partition thesis is not a U.N. option, official

he Algerian thesis to partition the Sahara is not a United Nations option, Moroccan permanent representative to the U.N. Mohamed Bennouna said.

James Baker, personal envoy of the U.N secretary-general for the Sahara, told the press after a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the partition of the Sahara was proposed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria during a visit he paid to Houston last November 2, Bennouna told the Moroccan radio.

Baker intends to introduce amendments to the frame-work agreement he brokered for the Sahara issue, Bennouna said, adding the contemplated amendments seek to satisfy all sides.

The diplomat stressed that the Moroccan position is clear-cut and unequivocal, while the Algerian proposal showed that this country is a party to the conflict.

Bennouna equally renewed Morocco's attachment and respect to the principles of the Baker frame-work agreement within Morocco's sovereignty.