afrol News, 17 September - Malawian government has decided to cut ties and withdraw its recognition of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a state proclaimed by Polisario Front in disputed territory of Western Sahara, foreign ministry has said.

Malawi Foreign Affairs minister Joyce Banda announced decision at the end of talks with her Moroccan counterpart Taib Fassi Fehri in Rabat.

"In light of recent developments on the issue of Sahara at United Nations", Malawi has decided "to withdraw its recognition of SADR and to break all relations with it," Ms Banda said.

Malawi means by this decision "to encourage UN-backed ongoing negotiation process in order to achieve a durable political solution to this 33-year old regional conflict," Malawian official said.

Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony annexed in 1975 by Morocco.

SADR was declared in 1976 by Polisario Front, a rebel movement that wants independence for Western Sahara which fought a guerilla war against Rabat's forces before a ceasefire in 1991.

Since the ceasefire, UN has sponsored talks on four occasions between Rabat and rebels.

Polisario Front said in August it wanted to engage in direct talks with Morocco, but requested that UN replace its special envoy to Western Sahara.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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