SECRETARY-GENERAL’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR WESTERN SAHARA MEETS

REPRESENTATIVES OF POLISARIO, ALGERIA, MAURITANIA IN WYOMING

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara met with representatives of the Polisario Front and the Governments of Algeria and Mauritania in Pinedale, Wyoming, from 27 to 29 August 2001.  In accordance with Security Council resolution 1359 (2001) of 29 June 2001, the proposals made by the Polisario Front to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of the settlement plan were fully considered.  The proposed Framework on the status of Western Sahara was then discussed.  The Algerian delegation gave its views and objections on the Framework Agreement and promised to provide further clarifications.  The Polisario Front expressed its objection to and reservations about the Framework Agreement, but indicated that it would consult its leadership and revert to the Personal Envoy.  The representatives of Mauritania expressed their support for any solution to the problem of Western Sahara that would promote peace and stability within the region and that would have the support of the parties.

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