SAHARA PRESS SERVICE

Chahid El Hafed, 26/04/2004 (SPS) Mr. M'Hamed Khadad, Member of the Polisario Front's political leadership, Coordinator with the Minurso, deplored United Nations' lack of firmness in front of the intransigence of Rabat and called to the return to the original Peace Plan of 1991, «already accepted by the parties».

«We mostly deplore the lack of firmness from the United Nations in front of Moroccan intransigence and violations of law and of the international legality, though the Moroccan response was completely ignored», he underlined in a statement publicised by ARSO on Sunday (read the statement in French in ARSO).

To Mr. Khadad, if the last Baker's plan fails because of the Moroccan intransigence, «the UN should consequently enforce the original peace plan of 1991, already accepted by Morocco and Polisario Front», warning that «emptiness is unacceptable», since it will cause a «dangerous situation that can lead to open conflict at anytime».

«The UN should explain to Morocco that its position of permanent obstruction is intolerable and can not remain unsanctioned», he said, considering that the new mandate of the Minurso should be used by Security Council to «bring Morocco to the path of reason and cooperate with the UN towards the organisation of a free and fair referendum of self-determination for the Saharawi people».

Asked about the results of this prorogation and delay of the referendum to Morocco, Mr. Khadad considered that Rabat «is in blocked political and socio-economic situation», characterised by drug, terrorism and "pateras", added to «the financial and diplomatic costs of its colonial occupation of the Saharawi territory».

Moreover, he noted on «the complete failure of the Moroccan policy of assimilation of the territory», stressing that the exchanges of visits supervised by the HCR for the last 7 week and which profited to more than 400 persons  «had proved the incoherence of Moroccan claims and propaganda adopted during
the last 29 years. These visits had put forwards Saharawis unanimous rejection of the Moroccan expansionism and their attachment to their independence».

Instead of keeping with its rushing ahead, he put, «Morocco must focus in finding solutions to its difficult internal socio-economic and political situation and put an end to its defiance to the international community». (SPS)

010/090/990/TRD 261245 Apr 04 SPS