§ 19. Mr. MudieTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Western Sahara. [22632]
§ Mr. HanleyWe frequently make clear our support for the UN operation in Western Sahara in contacts with the UN Secretary-General, at meetings of the Security Council and in the informal Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Western Sahara.
§ Mr. MudieThe idea of a referendum on Western Sahara was first raised in 1973 and then promised in 1992, and we were assured by the Minister on 1 March last year that it would take place by October of last year. Does the Minister find it acceptable that it has still not taken place because of Moroccan obstruction? Can he explain why the Moroccans continue to be allowed to move thousands of Moroccan settlers into Western Sahara in an attempt at gerrymandering? When may we expect the Government to press in the United Nations for the referendum to take place, and for an end to the gerrymandering?
§ Mr. HanleyI agree with some of what the hon. Gentleman says. It is certainly disappointing that there has not been greater progress towards the referendum. 387 We are concerned by the current lack of progress in identification, including that of the extra people to whom the hon. Gentleman referred. The truth is that, unless significant progress is made by the middle of May, when the UN Secretary-General is due to report on the subject, he will be forced to present options for the future of the UN operation which may include phased withdrawal. I would regret that, and I would urge both parties to agree to the referendum, and to arrange for one as soon as possible.