The Mauritanian president, who spoke on Wednesday at the 62nd session UN General Assembly annual debate, said Mauritania "closely follows the Sahara issue."

    He also renewed support for the UN Secretary General with the aim to "reach a final solution that is accepted to all parties concerned and that guarantees stability in the region."

    The Sahara, a former Spanish colony, was ceded by Spain to Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid Accords. The Polisario, backed by Algeria, claims the independence of the territory.

    In accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 1754, the two parties held two rounds of negotiations in June and August. A third round is expected, but so far no date or venue have been set.

    Morocco had on April 11 presented a draft plan to grant substantial autonomy to its Southern Provinces known as the Sahara.