Annan voice concern over humanitarian aspects of Sahara issue

United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said he was "very concerned" over the humanitarian aspects related to the Sahara issue and deplored that 1,362 Moroccan POWs are still detained in Polisario jails.

The detention of 1,362 Moroccan POWs "is still one of the most pressing humanitarian problems," said Annan in a report to the Security Council.

Some 916 of these POWS have been detained for more than 20 years. This is the longest period for POWs in the world, Annan wrote in his report, asking the Polisario to liberate without delay all remaining POWs.

"During the meeting with my Special Representative in Geneva on March 5, the International Red Cross Committee renewed its deep concern over the deteriorating physical and mental health of the prisoners," he said.

Annan voiced hope that the U.N. Security Council would adopt a realistic solution that will help not only to settle the (Sahara) issue but also to achieve a lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the Maghreb.

He noted that his Special Envoy (former US secretary of state James Baker) is ready to undertake his action according to the option chosen by the Security Council with a view to leading the parties to the settlement of the Sahara issue.

The Security Council will study Annan's report this week and will decide on the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in the Sahara (MINURSO), which will expire on April 30.