Ban says Western Sahara issue among UN top priorities - 8/29/2007

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon underlined, here Tuesday, that the settlement of the Sahara issue, which opposes Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists, is among the priorities in his mandate

I have made it clear that the resolution of Africa's most difficult conflicts is a top priority" the UN chief stressed at a Security Council open debate on conflict prevention and resolution, particularly in Africa. "A greater investment in prevention could save us considerable pain and expense - in Darfur, in Somalia, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Northern Uganda, in Western Sahara and elsewhere," he said.

The Sahara dispute broke out in 1976 when Polisario laid claims to Morocco's Southern Provinces (the Sahara). The former Spanish colony was ceded to the North African country under the 1975 Madrid Accord.

Calling for devoting more resources and strengthening mediation to prevent conflicts, Mr. Ban underlined that “it is only through political settlements that conflicts can be resolved.”

The UN has recently sponsored two rounds of talks held in Manhasset (New York outskirts in June and August) between Morocco and the Polisario in accordance with a Security Council resolution that called on the disputing parties to hold direct negotiations “in good faith and without preconditions.”

The latest round, which took place on August 10-11, wrapped up with the parties agreeing that the status quo is unacceptable and the process of negotiations will continue, UNSG Personal Envoy, Peter Van Walsum said. Morocco has presented a proposal to grant autonomy to the disputed territory, an initiative that was described as "serious and credible" by the five-member countries of the Security Council, and backed by other influential capitals.

The UN chief pledged to continue the efforts of the international organization in conflict solving and mediation, announcing that he will shortly present proposals for strengthening the capabilities of the Department of Political Affairs, “with the goal of making more effective use of my good offices.”

“I believe in engagement and dialogue, not confrontation,” he concluded.

Source : http://www.corcas.com
-News and events concerning Western Sahara issue-

Other sources :
http://www.sahara-online.net
http://www.sahara-culture.com
http://www.sahara-villes.com
http://www.sahara-developpement.com