Ross will start a visit from March 20 to April 3 to the region, said Friday UN Spokesman Eduardo del Buey.

Ross's visit comes in the framework of his mandate and successive resolutions of the Security Council, the purpose of Mr. Ross's trip is to prepare for the next phase in the negotiating process and a possible resumption of direct talks to achieve "a mutually acceptable political solution."

"The current conflict in Mali and the heightened risks of instability and insecurity in the Sahel and beyond make a solution to the Western Sahara conflict more urgent than ever." added the UN.

This is the second visit to the region after the one conducted last October after which he proposed a new methodology based on "shuttle diplomacy" for resumption of negotiations.

News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas