§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings he has held with the Government of Morocco concerning their occupation of the Western Sahara. [16679]
§ Mr. BradshawWe regularly discuss the issue of western Sahara with the Government of Morocco. I raised the issue during my visit to Morocco on 24 to 26 September.
§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he expects the UN administration in the Western Sahara to name a date for a referendum on the future governance of the territory. [16678]
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§ Mr. BradshawThe UK supported United Nations Security Council resolution 1359, which was passed unanimously on 29 June 2001. This reiterated full support for the on-going efforts of MINURSO to implement the settlement plan and the agreements by the parties to hold a free, fair and impartial referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
The United Nations Security Council resolution made no provision for setting a date for the referendum and at this stage we do not know when it will be possible to set such a date.
The resolution does, however, reaffirm the UN's commitment to assist the parties in achieving a just and lasting solution to the question of the Western Sahara. The personal envoy of the Secretary-General is currently engaged in an attempt to resolve the dispute. The special envoy is discussing with the parties the draft framework agreement (as set out in the United Nations Secretary-General's report of June 2001) which may offer a mutually agreed political solution to the dispute. He has also discussed with the Polisario their proposals to overcome the obstacles faced in the settlement plan.