The United States will continue to urge parties to adopt "realistic and pragmatic approaches to main issues and pursue real and substantial discussions to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution', said an official of the State Department.

In a statement to the MAP, Mrs. Julie M. Reside, deputy director of the Office of Press Relations at the Department of State, said that the United States welcomed discussions by parties of "thematic issues" and their "commitment to continue negotiations'.

Ms. Reside stressed that Washington took note of the release of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Van Walsum, issued at the end of the 4th round of negotiations held this week in Manhasset.

The United States have repeatedly described as "serious and credible" the Moroccan initiative for to negotiate an autonomy statute to the Sahara and expressed their support for Morocco's efforts to help resolve this issue, expressing " hope that Polisario will take part in the discussions on the proposal "as a realistic starting point that could lead to a settlement of this conflict."

The United States position was reiterated recently by the Secretary of State in charge of the Middle East, Mr. David Welch, who said during his last visit to Morocco late February, that the Moroccan proposal "offers a new opportunity' and is 'very productive."

The U.S. official, who noted that the Moroccan proposal has been the source of negotiations, reiterated the support of the United States to these talks.

Source: MAP
News and events relating to Western Sahara issue / Corcas