MINURSO CONSULTATIONS

UNCLAS STATE 149164 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC MO AG WI SUBJECT: MINURSO CONSULTATIONS ¶1. (U) USUN is instructed to draw from the following talking points during the 26 October 2007 UN Security Council consultations on MINURSO. Begin Talking Points: -- We are pleased that Morocco and the Polisario have met for two rounds of negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations. We welcome this development and urge both parties to commit to full discussion of the substantive issues during the next round of talks. -- We believe that meaningful autonomy is a promising and realistic way forward. Morocco,s proposal is a serious and credible initiative that provides the realistic basis for negotiations. -- We support a renewal of the MINURSO mandate at this time; however, the USG wants to see progress towards a political solution of this conflict before the next renewal. -- We hope to hear soon that the parties have agreed to a date and venue for the third round of talks. -- The United States remains convinced that the Western Sahara conflict continues to impede regional integration and development in the Maghreb. Unresolved, this humanitarian crisis leaves the Sahrawi people with a bleak future. End Talking Points: ¶2. (U) Please contact LTC James Thomas, IO/PSC at 202-736-7737 for any additional questions or concerns. RICE