§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is regarding the recommendations contained in James Baker's report to the UN Security Council concerning the future of the Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [1438]
§ Mr. BradshawWe supported United Nations Security Council Resolution 1359 which was passed unanimously on 29 June 2001, which extended MINURSO's mandate until 30 November 2001. We fully support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to invite all the parties to meet directly or through proximity talks, under the auspices of his Personal Envoy, James Baker, and encourage the parties to discuss the draft Framework Agreement and to negotiate any specific changes they would like to see in this proposal, as well as to discuss any other proposal for a political solution, which may be put forward to the parties, to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement. We also affirm that while such discussions go on, the official proposals submitted by the Polisario Front to overcome obstacles preventing implementation of the Settlement Plan will be considered.