The fifteen members of the UNSC expressed support for the ideas expressed by Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in his report as well as the "strategy proposed" by his Personal Envoy, Christopher Ross, in order to achieve progress towards substantive negotiations, Heller told MAP following the Council's closed consultations on the Sahara issue.

   As recommended by Ban Ki-moon, the Council will adopt a resolution which supports the UN mediation efforts and extend the MINURSO mission for one more year, he said.

   Other diplomats told MAP that the consultation session, held in the presence of Ross, was marked by a number of speeches stressing the necessity to reiterate the Council's support for Christopher Ross, and to encourage the parties to engage in substantive talks on the basis of the UNSC resolution 1813 in order to reach a political, fair, lasting and mutually accepted solution.

   In his latest report, Ban reiterated call on the parties to pursue talks "in good faith, without any preconditions, and to show political will to enter into substantive discussions and ensure the success of the negotiations."

   He also deemed necessary a "careful preparation" of an upcoming series of talks, noting that "little has changed since the last round of negotiations to facilitate a positive outcome for a fifth round."

   Ross was appointed by the UN Secretary General last January, and was tasked with  "working with the parties and neighboring countries based on the most recent Security Council Resolution 1813 and previous resolutions, building on progress made to date, in pursuit of a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution."

  Delegations representing Morocco, the Polisario, Algeria, and Mauritania have participated since June 2007 in Manhasset (outskirt of New York) in four rounds of negotiations in the Presence of former UN facilitator, Peter Van Walsum.

   The negotiation process was launched thanks to Morocco’s proposal to grant substantial autonomy to the Sahara which was hailed by the Security Council and the international community as the culmination of a serious and credible effort to put an end to the Sahara issue.

Source: MAP
News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas