Western Sahara: Annan hails release of 100 prisoners of war by POLISARIO

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today hailed the release of 100 Moroccan prisoners of war (POWs) by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).

The detained, who were set free on 18 June, were repatriated on Sunday to Morocco by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), according to a statement released by Mr. Annan's spokesman.

"The Secretary-General welcomes this step and calls on the Frente POLISARIO to move towards an early release of the remaining 1,260 POWs," the statement said.