HC Deb 12 May 2004 vol 421 cc381-2W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Morocco encouraging co-operation with the Sahrawis. [172100]

Mr. Rammell

We regularly discuss the situation in Western Sahara with our contacts at all levels in the Moroccan Government. Most recently, my noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean discussed Western Sahara with the Moroccan Minister of Interior Mr. Sahel when he visited London on 28 April.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the UK will press for an increase in the UN presence in the Western Sahara. [172104]

Mr. Rammell

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1541 which was adopted unanimously on 29 April 2004 calls on the Secretary-General to provide an evaluation of the mission size necessary for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to carry out its mandated tasks, with a view towards possible reduction, in his next report due before 31 October 2004. Pending these results the Government have no current plans to call for an increase in the UN presence in the Western Sahara.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances have been given by the Moroccan Government regarding the safety of inhabitants of the Western Sahara. [172105]

Mr. Rammell

Ministers and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly raise with all parties to the Western Sahara dispute their responsibilities in the search for a fair and lasting solution to that dispute which allows for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government is taking to encourage Morocco to resolve the territorial dispute in Western Sahara. [172107]

Mr. Rammell

We continue at Ministerial and official level to urge Morocco to engage constructively with the UN Secretary General's personal envoy, James Baker III, concerning the Peace Plan for Western Sahara, to reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties and allows for self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.