Zapatero: spain will help reach a broad agreement over Sahara issue

Spanish premier, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said in Madrid Tuesday Spain will contribute in constructive ways to reaching a "broad agreement" between all parties of the Sahara issue.

Speaking in a debate at the Spanish Congress of Deputies, the prime minister said the accord will enable to "put an end to the historic Sahara conflict" that opposes Morocco to the Polisario separatists who claim the independence of the Moroccan Sahara, formerly occupied by Spain, and retrieved by Morocco in 1975.

"To guarantee a future of peace and stability" in the region, he said, "there is only one process, that is an agreement between all parties under the auspices of the United Nations."

Such an agreement will have to benefit of the support of all parties, Zapatero pointed out, underlining that the settlement of the Sahara dispute should be reached on the "background of Baker plan initiatives."

Zapatero said Saturday during his visit to Morocco Spain will adopt a positive and constructive stance on the Sahara issue. He also called on the parties "to embark on intensive dialogue to reach an agreement that would guarantee their respective rights

On its part, Morocco reaffirmed Tuesday sincere and utter readiness to negotiate a status of viable, credible and final autonomy of inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara.

This position was announced in a release of the Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation ministry, subsequent to the UN secretary general publication of his new report on the Sahara.

The UN chief's report comprises the final answer of Morocco concerning Resolution 1495. In its answer, the kingdom reaffirms resolve to seek a political and final solution of this regional conflict and work sincerely with the United Nations and other parties to bring the conflict to an end.