Algeria supports referendum in the Sahara to end regional problems

Algeria said it supports holding a "global" and "transparent" referendum in the Sahara and backs the United Nations settlement plan.

Speaker of the Algerian Nation's Council (higher chamber of the parliament), Bashir Boumaza, told the 100th conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union currently meeting in Moscow, that the referendum would enable the "Sahrawi people to express their right to self-rule so that we can focus efforts on building the Arab Maghreb."

Algeria is backing the Polisario seperatist movement, which is claiming sovereignty over Morocco's southern provinces that were formerly under Spanish rule. The United Nations is planning to hold a referendum in which the population would say whether they want to integrate Morocco or set up a state on their own.

For his part, Morocco's delegate, first vice-speaker of the House of Representatives Abdelaziz Alaoui Hafidi, called on the United Nations to shoulder its responsibility in carrying out the settlement plan. The Moroccan official said all hindrances and obstacles should be lifted, renewing Morocco's adherence to international legality and to peace as a strategic objective.

He criticized the double-standard policy that he said enforces sanctions against children, women and old persons and proclaims a struggle against terrorism while launching unjustified attacks against some regions.

In this vein, he expressed support for the Libyan and Iraqi people who are still facing sanctions, and to the Sudanese people and the Palestinians who are still waiting for the international community to force Israel to respect the agreements already reached.

The 100th session of the Inter-parliamentary Union will wind up Saturday.