HC Deb 22 January 2003 vol 398 c358W
Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to receive the UN Secretary General's proposals on the putative referendum on the future of the Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [92325]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

From 14 to 17 January 2003, James Baker, the United Nations Secretary General's Personal Envoy, was engaged in a series of meetings with the parties concerned, discussing ideas to resolve the dispute over Western Sahara. Once he has had the opportunity to consider the response of the parties he will make his proposals public.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made concerning the referendum on the future of Western Sahara to(a) the Government of Morocco and (b) the United Nations. [92640]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I discussed the future of Western Sahara with Mohammed Benaissa, the Moroccan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in November 2002.

Officials maintain regular contact with the United Nations Secretariat country delegations on this subject. It is discussed annually during the General Assembly and more regularly by the Security Council.

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