CONFIDENTIAL
UNHCR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCOM): GENEVA:
6-16 OCTOBER
Briet is (c)
REFUGEES IN TINDOUF, ALGERIA
Line to Take
1.
Maintain our strict neutrality in any dispute between
Algeria and Morocco.
2. (If pressed). We see no reason to change the present
basis of funding for the Tindouf programme.
We would regret
any change in UNHCR's convention that Executive Committee
decisions are taken by consensus.
Background
1.
The Algerian-backed Polisario has been waging a guerilla war
against Moroccan forces in the Western Sahara since Spain
withdrew from the territory in 1975. The OAU has made several
attempts to resolve the long running conflict. It has been
regularly debated at UNGA.
Morocco's repeated refusal to
negotiate directly with the Polisario has effectively blocked any
progress towards a solution.
Following the mediation of the
UN Secretary General 'proximity' talks between Morocco and
Polisario were held in New York on 8-11 April and again on
5 May but with no apparent breakthrough.
CONFIDENTIAL
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