MOBILE DEVICES
Free Headline Alerts     
Worldwide Web WorldTribune.com
Front Cover
Daily Brief
  • Obama sought to limit independent probes of Fort Hood shooting
  • U.S. to seize Iran properties said to channel funds for WMD programs
    • Recent Hits
    Real World Links
    New Media
    Letters
    Archives
    Blog Line
    World Links
    Population Clock
    Cartoon
    Greatest Hits
    Gertz File
    Advertising Info
    Editorial Board
    Advisory Board
    Contact Info
    What Rush Said
  • China, DPRK out-maneuver Obama before his Asia trip even begins
  • China could use its microchips to penetrate U.S. weapons systems

    •   breaking... 


    Tuesday, August 11, 2009

    Morocco, Polisario resume talks on W. Sahara

    CAIRO — Morocco and Polisario have renewed talks on the future of the disputed Western Sahara, after a hiatus of nearly 18 months.   

    The United Nations has hosted talks between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario in the Austrian town of Durnstein. The talks, which began on Aug. 10, were scheduled to last two days under the auspices of UN envoy Christopher Ross, a former State Department official.

    "All the delegations arrived and the talks between the two parties opened," a UN spokesperson said.

    Also In This Edition

    NORTHEAST ASIA:

    U.S. advisory panel warns of rampant Chinese spying

    Mideast / S. Asia:

    Hizbullah included in Lebanon premier's new Cabinet

    AFRICA/EUROPE:

    Thousands cheer 20 years since fall of Berlin Wall

    The talks came amid threats by Polisario to renew war against Morocco in Western Sahara. In June 2009, Polisario fighters sought to capture positions in Western Sahara, with a population of about 500,000.

    Polisario has demanded a referendum for independence for Western Sahara, a Spanish colony until 1975. In 2007, Morocco drafted a plan for autonomy for Western Sahara, a proposal adopted by France and the United States.

    The Moroccan delegation has been led by Foreign Minister Taib Fihri. The delegation also includes Moroccan intelligence director Mohammed Mansouri.

    The UN has hosted four rounds of talks between Morocco and Polisario. The talks, which took place outside New York City, were all regarded as failures.

    Diplomatic sources said Ross's involvement could result in U.S. pressure on Morocco. The sources said the administration of President Barack Obama has withdrawn U.S. support for Rabat's autonomy plan.  


    Comments

    The Moroccan foreign ministry needs to be replaced. The foreign ministry needs to be purged of people who gained appointments through bribes and nepotism. The people Morocco needs in the foreign Ministry are people who can get results.

    Moroccan Patriot      2:46 a.m. / Wednesday, August 19, 2009

    About Us     l    Contact Us     l    Geostrategy-Direct.com     l    East-Asia-Intel.com
    Copyright © 2009    East West Services, Inc.    All rights reserved.