Morocco, W. Sahara rebels start new talks

Three days of UN-guided talks at Manhasset near New York include representatives from Algeria, Mauritania.

Middle East Online

UNITED NATIONS - Morocco and the Western Sahara rebel group, the Polisario Front, on Thursday started new talks on the future of the disputed north African territory, diplomats said. The three days of talks at Manhasset near New York are being guided by UN envoy Christopher Ross and also include representatives from Algeria and Mauritania. Talks last month were overshadowed by a November 8 raid by Moroccan security forces on a huge squatter camp near Western Sahara's main city of Laayoune in which at least 13 people were killed. Morocco said 11 security forces were among the dead. The Polisario Front said dozens were killed. "We are discussing confidence measures but there is no confidence," said Polisario Front representative to the UN, Ahmed Boujari. "Morocco will not move from its position. Nothing can come out of these discussions," he added. "We want to keep the diplomatic channel open but there can be no definitive solution unless Morocco shows that it is responsible. We want the active and sincere implication of the Security Council," Boujari said. The Moroccan mission to the United Nations said it would make no comment until the end of the talks on Saturday. Morocco started to annex Western Sahara after Spain withdrew in 1975. The Polisario Front has demanded a self-determination referendum. Morocco has offered greater autonomy.