§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people of Western Sahara as set out in the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion of 16 October 1975; and if he will make a statement. [135927]
§ Mr. HainWe recognise the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination over their own future and will continue to support international efforts to achieve a just and durable solution in the territory.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response the Government have made to the Moroccan Government's statement that it will no longer support the UN Settlement Plan for Western Sahara, including a referendum; and if he will make a statement. [135928]
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§ Mr. HainOur understanding is that Morocco remains committed to the UN Settlement Plan for Western Sahara, and to a referendum. The UN Secretary-General has said that the implementation of the plan has been held up for ten years because of differences between the two parties on its voter identification and appeals protocols.
The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, James Baker, was drafted in earlier this year to explore all options for an agreed and durable solution, including a political solution which could then be put to a referendum. Morocco's recently stated willingness in principle to consider a political means of breaking the impasse is a positive development. We will continue to give our full support to Mr. Baker's efforts to resolve this dispute.