Russian envoy tours north africa over Sahara issue

Head of the Middle East and North Africa department at the Russian foreign ministry, Mickhael Bogdanov, has left Moscow this Friday for Algeria, first leg of a tour in Mauritania and Morocco.

The Sahara issue will top the Russian official's talks in the three states.

In Morocco, Bogdanov will go to the southern city of Laayoune where he will meet officials of MINURSO (UN mission for a referendum in the Sahara), deployed in the territory since 1991 where it has been undertaking preparations for a referendum.

In addition to the Sahara issue, talks will also deal with bilateral cooperation, the Iraqi standoff and the situation in the Middle East.

The Russian official's visit to Morocco is taking place one month after a trip by the UN secretary general's personal envoy for the Sahara, James Baker, in his quest to reach a political settlement to the Sahara issue.