The settlement of this issue is "the key" to development and to the economic integration of the region, Saleh Ould Mohamed Ould Hanana told the press following a meeting with the chairman of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS), Khalihenna Ould Errachid.

    The dispute between the North African Kingdom and the Polisario dates back to 1976 when the separatists, triggered by Morocco's neighbor Algeria, claimed the territory retrieved from the Spanish rule a year earlier under the Madrid Accords.

    In an endeavor to reach a fair, lasting and mutually accepted political solution to the Sahara issue, Morocco had, last year, proposed substantial autonomy to the Sahara region.

    Commending Morocco’s autonomy proposal, the Mauritanian party leader described as a “bold step” and a “platform” this initiative meant to settle this 32-year old dispute. He also voiced hope that the ongoing talks on the Sahara under the auspices of the United Nations lead to a final solution to this issue.
    The fourth round of negotiations held on March (16-18) in Manhasset, NY, ended last week with the parties agreeing to continue the negotiations at a date to be determined by common agreement. The previous three rounds were held at the same venue in June, August and January.

News and events concerning Western Sahara issue / Corcas