Algiers, March 29, 2016 (SPS) - France supports "the implementation of the mission" of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso), French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Jean-Marc Ayrault.
"As for Western Sahara, France's position remains unchanged. We support implementation of the Minurso," he stated at a joint press conference with Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra.
"We launched dialogue in recent weeks so that relation between regional partners, namely Morocco and the United Nations (UN) improves," the French FM stressed, dubbing Western Sahara issue "delicate" and "difficult."
"We witnessed tensions we cannot ignore (…). Sometimes, we have been criticized for having taken these steps although they aimed at calming down tensions," he added.
Ayrault expressed the wish that the Minurso mandate will be renewed after expiry.
The Western Sahara conflict lasts since 40 years and "must not be a stumbling block" in the friendship between Algeria and France. "This is my state of mind and that of President François Hollande," he affirmed. SPS
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