DATE=5/31/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N WESTERN SAHARA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263033
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council today
(Wednesday) extended for two months its mission to
Western Sahara but the decision was not unanimous. VOA
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: The vote to continue the Western Sahara mission
was 12 in favor, with Namibia voting no and Jamaica
and Mali abstaining. The Netherlands expressed
misgivings but voted yes anyway.
The lack of consensus on the Council had to do with
the wording of the resolution that opponents said was
not strong enough in making clear that the U-N
settlement plan is the only viable solution for
Western Sahara. The plan is to hold a referendum, to
decide if Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony,
will be incorporated into Morocco or become an
independent nation. Opponents argued to wording of the
resolution seemed to suggest there might be an
alternative to a treferendum.
Since 1991, the United Nations has been attempting to
hold that referendum. The negotiations for the vote
have been dragging on for years and the latest problem
is a dispute on the appeals process for those excluded
from a voting list.
Security Council President Wang Yingfan of China said
he understood the frustration on the part of some
members. But, speaking through an English translator,
Mr. Wang said it is important to maintain the
stability of the U-N mission in Western Sahara.
///Wang translator act///
We believe an extension of this mandate will be
conducive the maintenance of stability and peace
in this region and will help the parties
concerned and the Secretary-General and his
personal envoy to find an appropriate, feasible
and durable solution to existing problems.
///end act///
The resolution expressed expectation that former U-S
Secretary of State James Baker, the special U-N envoy
to Western Sahara, will continue his efforts to
dismantle the continuing roadblocks toward the Western
Sahara referendum.
///Rest opt///
In a separate action, the Security Council unanimously
approved a routine six-month extension of the U-N
Observer Force in the Golan Heights. The U-N force
serves as a buffer between Syrian and Israeli troops
in the area.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/PT
31-May-2000 18:46 PM EDT (31-May-2000 2246 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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