UN proposes MINURSO exclusive presence in Guerguarat

NEW YORK- The United Nations has proposed the exclusive presence of the peacekeeping forces of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) in Guerguarat area, southwest of Western Sahara, where Polisario Front and Moroccan troops are separated from each other by only 120 metres.

The UN has proposed the withdrawal of all armed elements of Polisario Front and Morocco from the buffer strip and the exclusive deployment of MINURSO peacekeeping forces, said the UN Secretary General's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric during his daily press briefing.

To a question on UN chief's proposal on the construction by Morocco of a road crossing the Polisario Front-controlled territory, Dujarric said that "it (the proposal) would include the withdrawal by both parties of all armed elements and MINURSO would retain the exclusive presence in the area."

The proposal must be approved by both parties to the conflict, Polisario Front and Morocco, he said, adding that the resumption of hostilities is not in the interest of either party.