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Annan's special representative in Algeria for talks on Western Sahara

Annan's special representative in Algeria for talks on Western Sahara

The Special Representative of Secretary-General Kofi Annan for Western Sahara, Alvaro de Soto, is holding talks today in Algeria as he continues his initial tour of the region, according to a United Nations spokesman.

Mr. de Soto met the Algerian delegate for Foreign Affairs, Abdelkader Messahel, this morning in the capital, Algiers, during the third leg of his consultations with the parties and neighbouring governments involved in the dispute over Western Sahara.

A peace plan between Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO) is being considered by all the parties involved. It was formulated by the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, James Baker of the United States.

Mr. de Soto held consultations last week with Moroccan officials in Rabat, and spoke to the leadership of Frente POLISARIO in Rabouni on Sunday, the spokesman added. Next week he is expected to travel to the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, for the final leg of his tour.