Algiers, 7 March 2016 (SPS) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday in Algiers that he asked his special envoy to Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, to "resume his tours" to restart talks between Morocco and the Polisario Front in a bid to settle the Western Sahara issue.
Ban said he asked his special envoy, Christopher Ross, to resume his trips in order to create the appropriate atmosphere for the resumption of talks between the Polisario Front and Morocco for the settlement of Western Sahara issue, through a referendum on Saharawi people's self-determination.
Citing his visit to the refugee camps, the UN Chief said Saharawi refugees have been suffering for many generations, adding that he discussed with the young, who start to lose faith in the future.
"I promised to them to do everything to push things forward," he added.
The UN chief regretted that the parties to the conflict had made no real progress in the negotiations, which are due to lead to just, lasting and acceptable political solution, based on Western Sahara people's self-determination,
He added that he met the members of MINURSO (UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) staff, who show, he underlined, a "big devotion," adding that they are ready to help in organizing the referendum if the parties reach an agreement. (SPS)
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