Washington backs political solution to Sahara issue

US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Joseph Burns, said in Algiers Saturday his country backs a political solution to the Sahara question and is not endeavoring to impose any solution in this question.

Burns told a press conference at the end of a short visit to Algeria that the US policy consists first of all in supporting a political solution to the Sahara issue, then supporting efforts by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his personal envoy to the Sahara James Baker.

The US official added that Washington also tries to encourage the continuation of dialogue between Morocco and Algeria over the Sahara and several other questions.

Burns said it is in the interest of Algerians, Moroccans and everyone that a political solution is reached as soon as possible.

The American official was received by Algerian president Abdel Aziz Boutaflika and held talks with several Algerian officials on bilateral cooperation and international questions of common interest.

Burns, who is touring the Maghreb states is currently in Morocco for a two-day visit.