UN security council takes note of significant progress in Sahara settlement plan implementation

The UN Security Council took note of the progress scored in the implementation of the settlement plan in the Sahara, said Tuesday chairman of the security council, Namibian Martin Andiaba.

The delegate told reporters that the UN security council held an information meeting with under-secretary general for peace keeping operations, Hadi Annabi, on new facts over the past 45 days. He added that the council members renewed their support to the holding of a referendum.

In view of the fact that voters identification and appeals operations are taking place simultaneously, several delegates insisted on the need to increase the staff of the UN identification commission in order to respect the timetable set for these operations.

In his latest report, UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, noted that the resuming of the identification operation (June 15) and the starting of the appeals procedures (involving persons who deem that they are entitled to vote but who do not appear on the voters lists) were achieved, that the first provisional voter lists were published and that preparations for the repatriation of refugees are accelerated. He called for starting immediately "confidence-building measures."

In his report, Annan urged the two sides to fully cooperate with the MINURSO so that the identification and appeals operations take place in due time.