SAHARA PRESS SERVICE

Chahid El Hafed, 14/09/04 (SPS) The President of the Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, received Tuesday, at the Residence Chahid Tamek, the Secretary for foreign affairs of Spanish Popular Party (PP), Mr. Jorge Moragas, who undertook a three days visit to SADR.
 
The meeting between the two parties tackled questions of mutual concern and the means of strengthening the bilateral relations that unify the two countries and peoples, it was indicated.

Thereafter, the Head of the State offered a luncheon on the honour of his guest, who had animated before a conference attended by officials of Polisario Front and SADR in which he clarified the position of the PP regarding the conflict over Western Sahara and the future vision on the relations between Spain and SADR.

M. Moragas, whose visit ends today, was received Monday by Prime Minister, Abdelkader Taleb Oumar. He met before with the Ministers for defence, cooperation, education and of culture, respectively Mohamed Lemine Bouhali, Salek Baba, Bachir Moustapha and Mrs. Mariem Salek, as well as with the Coordinator with the Minurso, Mr. M'hamed Khaddad.

In addition Mr. Moragas has visited many socio-economic institutions of SADR during these three days, and was also received Monday by the Assembly of Chioukhs (old notables, formerly designated as chiefs of tribes by Spain) in the Wilaya of Aousserd, who recalled him about the historical responsibility of Spain, as former colonial power, in the decolonisation of Western Sahara.

In a statement to the Spanish press, Mr. Jorge Moragas, had declared that the Baker Plan II “can not be modified", asking Spanish socialist Government to "clarify its position" on Western Sahara conflict, and "to maintain the position of former Presidents of Spanish Governments regarding Western Sahara".

He warned that "the inaccuracy and improvisation" that marked the new socialist Government had "generated a great distrust and suspicion within Saharawi people". (SPS)

060/090/000 141724 SEPT 04 SPS.