"Morocco has demonstrated its ability to play a constructive role in the region and we encourage it to continue its efforts, particularly on the Sahara issue," said Mr. Henry Bellingham, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs during a debate Wednesday at Westminster Parliament on democratic progress in Morocco.

 The British officials also stressed that the recent kidnapping of European citizens in the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria) is a source of "great concern and raises questions about the safety of persons in camps controlled by the Polisario. "

 The abduction also raises questions about "the threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb throughout the Sahel region," he said.

 "This incident highlights the need to find a solution to secure the future of refugees," said Bellingham.

 - News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas -