During the two day talks at the Greentree residence, under the supervision of the UN discussions tackled the basic points concerning the Moroccan autonomy initiative, according to members of the Moroccan delegation, during a press conference in New York.

“We consider the first round as a contact round, the second one dealt with the mechanism of putting into practise the 1754 resolution of the UN,  in relation with the autonomy” underlined the interior minister Mr Chakib Benmoussa.

Morocco agreed in principle to take part in the third round of negotiations, he said, as to the date and place remains to be decided “we are confident as to this process, and we hope that the next round will allow improving the Polisario’s position” he added.

Concerning the role of neighbouring countries, the minister considered that Algeria and Mauritania could contribute to reach a settlement to this problem”.

“We consider that the presence of neighbouring countries at these talks is important. Algeria is concerned by this dispute, because it shelters Tindouf refugee camps in its soil, and we know the extent of influence that this country practised on Polisario.Mauritania, for its part has got a big number of Sahraouis, which explains its link with this issue» he added.
The Moroccan minister regretted that the high commission for refugees (HCR) was not able to take a census of the camps populations who live in deplorable conditions.

As to the chairman of the royal advisory council for Saharan affairs (CORCAS) Mr Khalihenna Ould Errachid, he reminded that the failure of a number plans in order to reach a solution led to an impasse and to appeals from the international community to the parties to formulate new proposals.” Morocco has taken the initiative to come up with a courageous and innovating plan whereby there will be no winner and no looser” indicated Mr Khalihenna Ould Errachid, deploring that polisario remains prisoner of a backward-looking vision based on obsolete and unrealizable projects. The other party did not understand the spirit of the1754 resolution of the UN, calling for a political solution based on the Moroccan proposal.

In the same context Mr Taieb fassi Fihri underlined that the Security Council has clearly indicated that the responsibility of the settlement of this issue rests with the parties concerned and neighbouring countries, whereas the role of the UN is limited to facilitate the process of negotiations. The autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco was favourably welcomed by the international community which greeted the credible and serious efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco, he added.
Going back to the progress of the negotiations Mr Fihri explained that in parallel to the the  essence of discussions, the UN experts have presented reports concerning the main questions in relation with the autonomy within the framework of the Moroccan territorial integrity, such as management of natural resources, and local governance.

In this respect the Moroccan delegation indicated that the second round was positive compared with the first round, hoping to see the polisario revising its position in view of the next round.

As to the managing director of “studies and documentation” Mr Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, he indicated that although the one-sided of the statements made by members the polisario to the press, throughout the two day negotiations period, these talks were positive”.

 as far as the Moroccan delegation is concerned this second round constitutes an important step, and a positive evolution, as it permitted to examine and discuss the fundamental points concerning the essence of the Moroccan initiative” explained Mr Mansouri who, added "Morocco is determined to go ahead with patience , because we  would like to see this initiative of autonomy succeeded”

Source: MAP

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