Naciri, who was speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, said Ross will not start over because a major work has been done at the Security Council.

   The official recalled the latest resolution (1813) of the UNSC, which urges the parties to work in a "spirit of realism and compromise to push forward the negotiations process."

   "Morocco is endeavouring to this end, and we simply hope that the other side would be imbued with the same intentions and with the goodwill to push things forward," he added.

   Today, the international community recognizes in a way or another that if there is a new element (in the Sahara issue) since 1975, it is the autonomy initiative within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, he stressed.

   This was the fundamental element that has pressed forward the issue, contrary to the “sterile stalemate” that still characterizes the other party, he underlined.

   Naciri pointed out that Morocco remains confident “given the experience of a renowned diplomat like Mr. Ross, and his capability to continue the excellent job of his predecessor, Mr. Peter van Walsum.”