Morocco/Western Sahara: Congressional Letter Regarding Solution to Western Sahara Conflict (Taken Question)

Question:   What is US response to a letter sent by 104 Congressmen to Secretary Rice calling for action on negotiations and expressing concern on terrorist threats in Western Sahara?

Answer:   We are in receipt of the letter signed by over 100 Members of Congress regarding a solution to the Western Sahara conflict and will soon prepare a response.

The United States has strongly supported international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict. Our approach remains unchanged: we encourage all parties to work towards a resolution in the context of the United Nations that is mutually agreed to and accepted by the parties. The United States played a facilitative role in the August 2005 release and safe return of 404 Moroccan prisoners held by the Polisario Front.

The Government of Morocco recently expressed a willingness to lay out a plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara and we have encouraged them to put forward a strong proposal so that all parties can subsequently examine and discuss it.