The European Union (EU) is called upon to play a "leading role" in reviving talks between the parties for the final settlement of the conflict over the Sahara, said former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ana Palacio.

Kenya's vice-president William Ruto has said that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty in the southern provinces "is the best solution to the Sahara issue".

From the repression of the Hirak movement to human rights violations in the Tindouf camps, including persecution against religious minorities, the abuses committed by Algeria and its puppet the polisario have been strongly decried on the occasion of the 46th session of the UN Rights Council.

The southern provinces are experiencing an "economic breakthrough" under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI which has given rise, among other things, following a visit to Laâyoune of a delegation of Basque businessmen, said the president of the Council of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid.