Morocco refutes statements on Sahara ascribed to Austrian official

Morocco refuted as "counter-truth" statements ascribed by the "Polisario" to Austrian secretary of state, Ferrero-Waldner, that Morocco was seeking to delay the referendum process in the Sahara. Spokesman for the Moroccan foreign ministry said these lies are part of "a deliberate disinformation and political propaganda campaign."

The source also recalls that the Austrian official has denied the statements ascribed to her by the Algerian-backed guerilla movement which is claiming the independence of Moroccan southern provinces that Morocco retrieved from Spanish occupation in 1975 under the Madrid accords.