The fourth round of UN-facilitated negotiations between Morocco and the Algerian-backed separatist movement "Polisario" on the Sahara dispute wrapped up, here Tuesday, with the parties agreeing to continue these talks in the future. "In concluding this fourth round of talks, the parties reiterated their commitment to continue the negotiations at Manhasset at a date to be determined by common agreement," a communiqué of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sahara, Peter Van Walsum, said on Tuesday.
The communiqué read by Mr. Van Walsum at the end of this round, added that "the discussions focused on the implementation of the Security Council resolutions 1754 and 1783. The parties also discussed thematic subjects such as administration, justices and resources."
The UN Envoy said that among a number of proposals he made to expand confidence-building measures, there was the agreement among the parties to explore the establishment of family visits by land, which would be in addition to the existing program by air.
The first, second and third rounds had taken place in June, August (2007) and January (2008), in the same venue pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1754 of April 30, which had called on the parties to "enter into negotiations without preconditions and in good faith." Representatives of Morocco’s neighbors, Algeria and Mauritania, attended the talks as observers and were consulted separately.
News and events relating to Western Sahara issue / Corcas