Press Statement
Manhasset  March 13, 2012

The ninth round of negotiations between the Frente Polisario and the Kingdom of Morocco, took place from March 11 to 13, 2012 at Greentree (Manhasset) under the auspices of the Personal Envoy of UN Secretary General, Mr. Christopher Ross.During this round, the negotiations focused on the proposals of both parties and the ideas contained in paragraph 120 of the report of the Secretary General.

In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the question of the determination of the voters and the mechanisms of self-determination because, as noted by the Secretary-General, the Saharawi people’s consultation on its future must remain as central factor for  any fair, credible and lasting settlement of decolonization of Western Sahara.
This confirms, once again, the commitment of the international community to solve the conflict on the basis of the right to self-determination of people of Western Sahara.

Issues relating to natural resources, mine clearance and confidence building measures (CBM), led by UNHCR, were also discussed.

Also, the situation of human rights in Western Sahara, free access to the territory for NGOs, the press and international observers have been raised by the delegation of the Frente Polisario, which called for the cessation of repression against Sahrawi citizens and for the release of all political prisoners in Moroccan jails. The silence of the United Nations regarding the abuses committed by Moroccan forces in Western Sahara is unacceptable.