African summit backs rapid implementation of U.N. settlement plan for Sahara

The 35th summit conference of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which wound up Wednesday here, voiced "backing to a rapid implementation" of the United Nations settlement plan for the Sahara.

The U.N settlement plan provides for the holding of a self-determination referendum to decide whether the Sahara --a former Spanish colony, retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid Accords-- sets up on its own or remains part of Morocco. The vote is set to be held in July, 2000.

The Algiers Declaration, adopted by the African heads of state, stressed the "validity and durability of the principle of intangibility of borders inheritted upon independence." This principle contributed to the preservation of peace and stability in the continent, the African leaders said.

The OAU summit also renewed "will to privilege the resort to peaceful means for conflicts settlement within the respect of sovereign equality, non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, non-resort to menace or force." The summit also called for the respect of African states' independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.