afrol News, 20 March - The fourth round of the United Nations-led talks over the status of Western Sahara ended in Manhasset, the outskirts of New York, with Morocco and Polisario Front pledging to continue negotiations at a future date.

The neighbouring Mauritania and Algeria were represented in the latest talks.

Peter van Walsum, the UN Special Envoy tasked with mediating between the two sides, said during the talks both Morocco and Polisario “focused on the implementation of Security Council resolutions," urging them to condition negotiations without preconditions.

Mr Walsum added that "the parties also conferred on such subjects as administration, justice and
resources."

Western Sahara had been annexed by Morocco in 1975. Morocco and Polisario deadlock over the independence of the oil-rich region.

By staff writer

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