Latest UN-backed talks on Western Sahara wrap up

Talks on the situation in Western Sahara hosted by a United Nations envoy have wrapped up in the United States, with all sides commenting on the latest proposals to find a solution to the problem, a UN spokesman said today.

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, James A. Baker III, hosted the meeting from 27 to 29 August in Pinedale, Wyoming, between representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO Front) and the Governments of Algeria and Mauritania.

The spokesman said that in accordance with a Security Council resolution earlier this year, the proposals made by the POLISARIO Front to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of the settlement plan were fully considered.

The parties then discussed the proposed Framework on the status of Western Sahara; the Algerian delegation gave its views and objections on the Framework Agreement and promised to provide further clarifications.

Meanwhile, the POLISARIO Front expressed its objection to and reservations about the Agreement but indicated that it would consult its leadership and revert to the Personal Envoy, the spokesman said.

The representatives of Mauritania expressed their support for any solution to the problem of Western Sahara that would promote peace and stability within the region and that would have the support of the parties.