"We back Christopher Ross in this approach" and "we believe that the objective of these discussions is to create a new momentum following the four formal rounds of Manhasset talks," said a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry.

These informal talks will also help to "prepare for a fifth round of formal negotiations to move towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the UN framework," he added.

"It is an important step to enable the parties to resume their direct dialogue and to move towards a negotiated political solution," the spokesperson said.

The Security Council called, in its Resolution 1871, on the parties to show a "spirit of compromise to enable negotiations to enter into an intensive and substantial stage," he said.

  Source: MAP
- News concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas -