Western Sahara: UN envoy meets Algerian leaders

The top United Nations envoy guiding negotiations to end the conflict over Western Sahara has met with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to discuss proposals for a peaceful solution.

James A. Baker III, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, met yesterday with the Algerian President and his Cabinet to discuss the Council's proposal, according to a UN spokesman in New York. The Algerian leaders listened to the proposal and said they would return with comments or questions to him.

Mr. Baker is scheduled to head today to Tindouf, Algeria, where the POLISARIO Front is based. He has been in the region this week to present and explain to the parties and neighbouring countries a proposal for a political solution of the conflict over Western Sahara, which provides for self-determination as requested by the Security Council last July.

The envoy's visit has taken him so far to Morocco and he is expected to end the four-day mission tomorrow following meetings in Mauritania.