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AU calls for renewed efforts to resolve Western Sahara conflict

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Addis Ababa, 16 April 2014(SPS)- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has called for renewing efforts to resolve the conflict in Western Sahara, welcoming the report of the UN Secretary General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, issued on 10 April 2014.


The report covers a wide range of issues, including the consultations undertaken by the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy with the two parties to the conflict, namely the Frente Polisario and the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as with other stakeholders, the activities of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and humanitarian activities and human rights.


The Chairperson of the AU Commission called upon all relevant actors, in light of the increased interest in the natural resources of Western Sahara, to "recognize the principle that the interests of the inhabitants... are paramount", as well as that the end goal remains "sustained, independent and impartial monitoring of human rights".


She also urged the UN Security Council to seize the opportunity of the consideration of the report of the Secretary-General and the adoption of its next resolution on Western Sahara, which is expected to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 30 April 2015, to give the much-needed impetus to the search for a solution to the conflict.


Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, reiterated in a statement published yesterday on the official website of the commission , AU's support for the efforts of the UN Security Council and those of the Secretary-General, including his Personal Envoy. (SPS)


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