Security Council backs Annan's proposal for framework talks on Western Sahara

Expressing its full support for a proposal by Secretary-General Kofi Annan for new talks on Western Sahara, the Security Council today extended for five months the mandate of a United Nations mission deployed to organize a referendum for the self-determination of the Territory's people.

By a resolution which was adopted unanimously, the Council fully supported Mr. Annan's efforts to invite the parties to meet directly or through proximity talks under the auspices of his Personal Envoy, former United States Secretary of State James Baker III, to discuss a proposed draft Framework Agreement on the Status of Western Sahara. The Council emphasized that "engaging in these negotiations, the parties will not prejudice their final positions."

The parties were encouraged "to negotiate any specific changes they would like to see in this proposal, as well as to discuss any other proposal for a political solution, which may be put forward by the parties, to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement." Further, the parties were called on to release without further delay all those held since the start of the conflict.

In addition, the Council affirmed that during the framework discussions "the official proposals submitted by the Polisario Front to overcome the obstacles preventing the implementation of the Settlement Plan will be considered."

In taking its action, the Council noted that the draft Framework Agreement, which was annexed to the Secretary-General's report, "would provide for a substantial devolution of authority, which does not foreclose self-determination, and which indeed provides for it." The Council also took into consideration the Memorandum of the Government of Algeria contained in another annex to Mr. Annan's report.