UN envoy commits to Saharawi self-determination

2009-02-22 17:47:01 -

RABOUNI, Western Sahara (AP) - The new United Nations envoy to the Western Sahara has reasserted the Saharawi people's right to self-determination. The move could further complicate negotiations with Morocco, which has refused any such solution to the long-standing conflict.
Christopher Ross says his main goal is to restart peace talks between the Polisario Front and Morocco to end a conflict that has dragged on since Morocco annexed the desert territory in 1975.
Ross said Sunday negotiations must tend to «a solution that includes the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination.
Morocco has backtracked on the idea of a referendum and wants talks to focus solely on regional autonomy.