People sequestrated in Tindouf Camps suffer 'inhumane living conditions,' ex-UNHCR official

Sahrawi populations are enduring "inhumane living conditions" in Tindouf Camps, South-Western Algeria, said on Tuesday, Edward Benson, ex Officer-in-Charge of confidence-building measures at the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Tindouf populations are suffering "inhumane, brutal and isolated" living conditions, he said in a seminar held at Oxford University.

Benson added that in comparison with other conflicts in the world, the Sahara issue remains "confused regarding Algeria's implication."

During the conference, the audience watched a documentary film, made by United Nations Television (UNTV), describing the reunion of a father living in Morocco's southern provinces with his daughter who lived in Tindouf Camps, within the framework of the family visit exchange program.

Obama supports the UN- led negotiations to WS issue

BY Terry Batcher

Polisario has launched a new meaningless and badly calculated Propaganda, interpreting the letter sent by the newly elected American president Barack Obama to King Mohamed VI as a shift in the American foreign policy towards the Western Sahara issue by backing a Polisario State. This desperate media propaganda was published in an American newspaper ‘World Tribune .com’. An article without any mention of the name of the author, nor his sources. The unknown author based his unconvincing analysis on “diplomatic sources” without naming his diplomatic sources, to make his article genuine and objective.

In fact there is no mention whatsoever in Obama’s letter about a shift of the American administration towards the Sahara issue, nor the creation of an independent state in the area, contrary to what the Polisario and its supporters propaganda machine are trying hard to prove through the electronic media .

In his letter Obama gave priority to the Middle east crisis , and the role that King of Morocco can play being the chairman of “Jerusalem committee”, but as far as WS is concerned the American president said the following : “ I realize the importance of the Western Sahara issue for you , your kingdom and all the populations who have suffered because of the conflict, I share your commitment to the UN-led negotiations as the appropriate framework leading to a mutually accepted solution, and I hope that Christopher Ross an experienced Diplomat, with a substantial experience in the area, will promote a constructive dialogue between parties concerned” he added : “ My government will work with yours and other parties in the Region , in order to achieve an outcome that meets the people’s need for transparent governance , confidence in the rule of law, and equal administration of justice”.

As to the US interests in the area, contrary to the Propagandist article which appeared on the pages of “world Tribune .com” last week, the US interests are ranging from the region strategic geographic position on the Mediterranean, to the economic opportunities and resources it offers to the US, in addition to the treaths posed by the increase of terrorism in the area of North Africa.

The new American administration is in the process of elaborating a policy by taking the lead in promoting a resolution to the WS conflict, based on the proposal of a large autonomy within Moroccan sovereignty now on the table at the UN, and supported by a bipartisan consensus in the US congress. This is the conclusion reached by " Potomac institute for policy studies" and " the Johns Hopkins University "in a 15 page report handed over to the White house and state department on the 31st march 2009 , titled : “ Why the Maghreb matters“.
As the Obama administration considers its priority in the Middle East and North Africa, President Obama× and his administration know that regional integration in North Africa will support the US interests, which are vital to the strategic pursuit of the region’s stability, security and economic aims, but regional integration can not be realized without resolving the WS conflict. Given the current position of The US administration, that substantial autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only realistic solution to encourage regional economy, and to increase counter- terrorism cooperation that will bring prosperity and opportunity to the peoples of the Maghreb, and security for US interests.

The article did not take into consideration the chronology of events concerning WS conflict, as the UN has come to the conclusion that a creation of state, or even a referendum is out of question, Kofi Anan made it clear and his special envoys agree with him. The international community including the most influential UNSC permanent members sees the Moroccan proposal as a very advanced form of self –determination , the United kingdom’s experience for instance is the most striking example as both wells and Scotland are enjoying a large autonomy which includes local parliaments and governments and even local currencies under the sovereignty of the United kingdom. As to the recent events in the region The UN secretary General’s personnel envoy Christopher Ross, expressed his optimism to the outcome of his latest visit to the area, especially that both Morocco and Polisario front supported by Algeria agreed in principle to held unofficial talks in Vienna during the coming days.

To conclude, although the Polisario will not stop its propaganda attempts to mislead the international opinion public, the fact of the matter is that The Moroccan proposal is in line with the international standards, and respects the regional specifities and the expectations of local populations; it is an open and constructive response to the expectations of the UN Security Council. Most of the world countries welcomed with interest the autonomy proposal, as to the United Nations the message was crystal clear, through its resolutions 1754,1783, and 1813 “welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts to move the process forward towards resolution”. The international community would like to see “entente” takes shape between all the parties; it does advocate political dialogue because it is the shortest path so that peace and harmony prevail in the North African country, and definitely the new American administration will follow suit , and will not advocate an independent state in the Maghreb region.

Obama’s letter to HM King denies alleged change in U.S. position on Sahara

U.S. President Barak Obama stated in a letter on Friday, July 3 to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, that the United States and Morocco share the same values of peace, justice, progress and tolerance.

The letter of President Obama has been particularly devoted to two topics: the issue of peace in the Middle East and the role of Morocco for the continuation of the peace process, and the other hand, the conflict over Western Sahara, and the U.S. administration willingness to continue its efforts to resolve it.

Mr. Obama said in his letter, in response to a letter from His Majesty the King, that he shares the position of the Kingdom of Morocco, and believes that the United Nations is the appropriate framework for resolving the Sahara issue.
He expressed the hope that the UN Envoy in the region, Christopher Ross, will succeed in his mission.

"I share your commitment to the talks under the auspices of the United Nations as the appropriate framework to reach a mutually agreed solution, and I hope that Christopher Ross, a seasoned diplomat with wide experience in the region, will promote a constructive dialogue between the parties," President Obama wrote to His Majesty the King.

The U.S. President letter does not mention a change in the American position regarding the conflict over the Sahara. It does not support the emergence of any independent state in the Sahara region, or the holding of a referendum of self-determination, as has been claimed by the propaganda machine of separatism supporters.

However, President Obama believes in his letter to His Majesty the King, that Morocco is an effective mediator to bring views closer in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He reaffirmed in this regard, his confidence in the usefulness of the common Moroccan-American action to set up the foundations of successful negotiations for peace in the Middle East.
President Obama said he shared Morocco’s position on the usefulness of negotiations under United Nations auspices, to find a "mutually acceptable" solution to the Sahara issue, adding: "I hope I’ll have the opportunity to discuss with you all these issues and to work together to strengthen the historical relationship between Morocco and the United States. "
He added: "My government will work with yours and others in the region to achieve an outcome that meets the people's need for transparent governance, confidence in the rule of law, and equal administration of justice,".

In his commentary to the letter of U.S. President, the spokesman for the Moroccan government stated during a press briefing that followed the last Government Council that concerning the issue of territorial integrity of Morocco, "through this message there is a convergence between the position of U.S. President and the Moroccan approach that represents no contradiction with the Nation’s constants.»

Here follows full text of the letter of President Barak Obama:

Majesty, Thank you for your kind letter relating to improving relations between the United States and the Muslim world, and your concerns regarding Jerusalem and Western Sahara. I look forward to discussing with you all these issues and work together to strengthen the historical relationship between Morocco and the United States. I appreciate your commitment to strengthening the foundations of dialogue and mutual respect among nations and achieving peace in the Middle East, based on our shared beliefs. In Cairo, I expressed my willingness to work for a "fresh start" between the U.S. and Muslims around the World. I stressed out that we share common principles of justice and progress, tolerance and dignity for all human beings. These principles should inspire us to reach a comprehensive peace that includes a two-state solution and prompt resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

As chairman of Al Quds Committee, you can help ensuring that its members act constructively towards achieving our common goals. I am confident that we can work together to establish the foundations of successful negotiations for peace for all peoples of the region. It is obvious that these negotiations can only succeed if we manage to convince the parties to engage in a constructive manner. I called everybody to fulfil their obligations. For Israel, this includes the suspension of settlements, the dismantling of outposts and the removal of road blocks. Regarding the Palestinians, this means that they should continue to strengthen their security forces to combat terrorism, stop incitement and reform their institutions for the creation of a Palestinian state. The Arab countries also have responsibilities: today more than ever, the Palestinian Authority needs the financial and political support from Arab countries to realize the vision of a lasting peace and fight attempts to undermine it.

The Arab countries should support the commitment of the Arab peace initiative to come up with gestures vis-à-vis Israel, with a view to ending its isolation in the region. I hope that Morocco, as in the past, will be a leader in promoting reconciliation between Israel and the Arab world. As I said in Cairo, if we succeed, Jerusalem could become a permanent and secure home for Jews, Christians and Muslims, a place where all Abraham’s sons can live together in peace.
I realize the importance of the Western Sahara issue for You, for Your Kingdom and for all peoples who have suffered because of this conflict. I share your commitment to the talks under the auspices of the United Nations as the appropriate framework to reach a mutually agreed solution, and I hope that Christopher Ross, a seasoned diplomat with wide experience in the region, will promote a constructive dialogue between the parties.

My Government will work with yours and other parties in the region to reach a solution that meets the needs of populations in terms of governance transparency, confidence in the rule of law and a fair administration of justice.

Finally, I appreciate your personal commitment to the promotion of dialogue between religions and cultures and I praise your efforts and those of your government to develop the links we need to face the challenges of the contemporary world ".
Source: Corcas - News concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas -

Polisario banks on impasse of Sahara issue to develop human trafficking

Moulay Ahmed Mghizlate, member of Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS) said Tuesday in Geneva that the Algerian-backed Polisario build on the deadlock of the Sahara issue to develop their human trafficking business.

Addressing the 11th session of the UN Human Rights Council held under the theme: "Global economic crisis and its impact on migration and development", Mghizlate said the illegal immigrants are not only victims of the global economic downturn but also easy preys for human smugglers backed by the separatist groups such as the Polisario.

These criminal networks encourage and feed on human trafficking to line up their pockets as do the Polisario gangs which take advantage of the current stalemate of the Sahara issue to expand their thriving business of trafficking in persons, said the CORCAS member.
He also cited international reports saying that the Polisario connections with the human smugglers are growing and getting stronger.

Mghizlate sounded the alarm bell, calling on the international community to pay heed to the hovering danger of these criminal connections, which pose a serious threat to the stability of the region and the entire Mediterranean basin.

Moroccan Sahara proposal enjoys increasing support, Sudanese paper

Morocco's stance on the Sahara issue has been boosted by the increasing international support for the Kingdom's autonomy proposal, said Sudanese paper "Al Rai Al'am".

In a article entitled "the majority of U.S. Congressmen call Obama to support the Moroccan autonomy proposal," the paper noted that the proposal enjoys strong worldwide support from parties that consider it "the ideal and appropriate solution" for a conflict that has long lasted.

It also noted the current dynamic within the international community as well as the ongoing visits and initiatives in the region.

The paper cited the letter addressed by some 229 American representatives, Democrats and Republicans, to President Barack Obama, in which they expressed their concern over the "increasing threats by Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups in North Africa."

"This letter reiterates the historical support of the Republican and Democratic parties within the Congress for the Moroccan proposal which was already backed by 173 Congressmen in a similar letter addressed to President Bush in 2007 ," the paper underlined.

According to the Sudanese paper, the persistence of this issue has security-related fallouts” for the countries of the region with the proliferation of extremist groups, noting that the polisario is part of this as it has links with these groups, which causes fears in the northern bank of the Mediterranean and Western countries in general.

Christopher Ross to tour the region as of Wednesday

The new Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Sahara, Christopher Ross, kicks off a visit to the region on Wednesday.

"Following meetings in New York last week, including with the Secretary-General, Security Council members and the parties, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Christopher Ross, is on his way to the region for consultations, beginning tomorrow in Rabat," the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Michèle Montas, said Tuesday at a press briefing.

Ross, in his first visit to the area in his capacity as the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, will be in the region from Wednesday through 25 February, visiting Rabat, followed by Tindouf and Algiers, Montas said.

He will then travel to Madrid and Paris from 25-27 February, and is expected to return to New York following this trip for further consultations at Headquarters, she said.

The UN Secretary-General appointed the U.S. diplomat as his new personal envoy in January to "work with the parties and neighboring countries based on the most recent Security Council Resolution 1813 and previous resolutions, building on progress made to date, in pursuit of a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution."

Delegations of Morocco, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania have taken part, since June 2007, in Manhasset, New York outskirts, in four rounds of negotiations on the Sahara under the aegis of the former UN facilitator, Peter van Walsum, whose mandate expired last August.

At the end of the latest round, the parties have committed to continue negotiations at a date to be set by common consent.

This process has been launched thanks to the autonomy initiative for the Sahara region submitted by Morocco. The initiative has been lauded by the UN Security Council and the entire international community as the outcome of serious and credible efforts to put an end to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

Airports in the Sahara

Photo: Hassan I airport in Laâyoune

Since 1975, the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport has undertaken several extension and modernisation operations of the airport infrastructure in the Sahara region so as to adapt them to the needs of Sahrawi citizens. Thanks to air transport, the supplying of people with essential goods was secured (food, medicine, supplies). It has also facilitated managers ‘travel (doctors, engineers, teachers, civil servants, technicians) whose presence was necessary to carry out development efforts.Consequently, the achievements carried out between 1975 and 2006 are manifested as follows: