Moroccan king holds phone talks with UN chief on Sahara issue

King Mohammed VI of Morocco held Saturday phone talks with the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on the Sahara issue.

Talks focused on the latest developments at the United Nations of the Sahara dispute opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario secessionists that are claiming Morocco's southern region (known as the Sahara).

The Moroccan sovereign reiterated his country's resolve to carry on cooperation with the UN chief and his special representative, Alvaro De Soto, in order to reach a negotiated and final political solution to the dispute.

The talks come nearly two weeks before the expiry of the UN mandate in the Sahara (known by its French acronym Minurso), that was extended last April to October 31.

Last Wednesday, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, said his country is working in "consultation" with France and the United States for a resolution on the Sahara question, a resolution, he said, that is due to be adopted by the Security Council at the end of the month.

Speaking at a press briefing at the end of a visit to Morocco, Moratinos hoped this resolution "will be positive" and will give a greater room for manoeuvre to the representative of the UN secretary general "to work and advance" in the rapprochement of parties' political viewpoints and create a "new dynamic" in the search of a solution to the conflict.