MANHASSET (NEW YORK)- March 14,2012(SPS) The ninth round of informal talks between the Polisario Front and Morocco wrapped up Tuesday evening in Manhasset, New York, without any significant progress in the negotiations between the two parties, to meet in June and July for other new informal rounds.
The UN Secretary General’s personal envoy, Christopher Ross said Tuesday evening in a communiqué that the informal meeting between the two parties took place in “an atmosphere of serious engagement, frankness, and mutual respect.”
The parties continued to deepen the discussion on their respective proposals “In order to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,”
Each party, he said “continued to reject the proposal of the other as the sole basis for future negotiations, while reiterating their willingness to work together to reach a solution in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations.”
“The parties continued their discussion on the new ideas put forward by the Secretary-General in paragraph 120 of his report (S/2011/249) and endorsed by the Security Council.” And deepened their discussions “on demining, natural resources and environment, without prejudice to the definitive status of the Territory.”
“The parties have welcomed the progress accomplished on these topics, and confirmed their interest to continue working with the United Nations on these subjects and others in the framework of the ongoing negotiations.” He said.
“The parties also confirmed their intention to participate in two seminars to be organized by the said Office that could take place in June and October 2012. One of these seminars will focus on the role of women and the other one on the meaning of the tent (Khaima) in the Hassaniyan culture.”
The Personal Envoy will visit the region in mid May 2012 “including an extensive visit to the Western Sahara Territory.”
“ The next informal meetings will take place in Europe in June and in a place to be determined in July 2012.” The communiqué concluded.(SPS)
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