Manhasset, June 8, 2011 (SPS) - This round took place after the adoption of resolution 1979 the Security Council that calls for discussion of proposals of the two parties and following the publication of the report on Western Sahara in which the Secretary-General strongly recalls that the consultation of the people of Western Sahara is "more than ever at the heart of the search for a just and lasting solution" of the conflict, ,Mr. Jatri Addouh affirmed Tuesday during a press briefing at the end of the 7th round of negotiations between the Polisario Front and Morocco held in Manhasset from 5 to 7 June 2011 under the auspices of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Christopher Ross.
Mr. Addouh recalled that Ban Ki-moon had warned in the report that "arrival at a final status on which this population has not clearly and convincingly expressed its views is likely to engender new tensions in Western Sahara and in the region. " This conforms once again that the international community is committed to a solution guaranteeing the right of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
During this round, the discussions focused on proposed solutions presented by both sides to end the conflict of decolonization of Western Sahara in paying attention, in this context, to the issue of the electorate core, the mechanisms of self determination and the ideas set out in paragraph 120 of the report of the Secretary General (s/2011/249). The subjects of natural resources and demining were also discussed.
The situation of human rights in Western Sahara and free access to the Territory for NGOs, press and international observers have been raised by the delegation of the Frente Polisario, which has called for an end to repression against Saharawi citizens helpless and the release of all political prisoners in Moroccan jails.
Finally, both parties have agreed to meet in the next round in July 2011 in Manhasset.
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