UN: POLISARIO and Morocco’s talks “substantive” and current status quo is unacceptable
12/08/2007

The UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Peter Van Walssum, considered that the negotiations between POLISARIO and Morocco in Manhasset were “substantive”, and that the two parties to the conflict “acknowledge that the current status quo is unacceptable and they have committed to continue these negotiations in good faith”.

The UN’s official issued a press release after the two days negotiations in Manhasset, of which here is the complete text:

Communiqué of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara
(In agreement with the Parties)

Meeting at Manhasset (Greetree Estate)

11 August 2007

Representatives of Morocco and the Frente POLISRIO met in Manhasset, New York, at the Greentree Estate, on 10 and 11 August 2007, continuing their discussion under the auspices of the Secretary-General, and in accordance with Security Council resolution 1754 of 30 April 2007. Representatives of the neighbouring countries, Algeria and Mauritania, were also present at the opening and closing sessions and were consulted separately during the talks.

I am pleased that we were able to hold substantive talks in which the parties interacted with one another and expressed their views. A debate took place with regard to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1754. Also, at my initiative, the parties heard presentations by United Nations experts on specific issues such as natural resources and local administration. Confidence-building measures were also proposed for discussion.

The parties acknowledge that the current status quo is unacceptable and they have committed to continue these negotiations in good faith. They have agreed that the process of negotiations will continue and that appropriate consultations will be completed regarding the date and venue of the coming round.