UN Security Council extends MINURSO mandate

The UN Security Council yesterday approved a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) by one month to 30 April 1999. MINURSO's mandate includes monitoring a ceasefire as well as identifying and registering qualified voters for a referendum - to be held by March 2000 - that will decide whether Western Sahara should gain full independence or become part of Morocco. The Council said in its resolution that the aim of the extension was "to allow for an understanding to be reached among all concerned on detailed modalities for the implementation of the identification and appeals protocols, including a revised implementation schedule ..." Morocco annexed part of the former Spanish colony in 1975. Since then, the Polisario Front has been fighting for its independence. The Security Council requested both parties "to move ahead with the necessary discussions" to reach agreement on a protocol to repatriate refugees. They need to do so, it said, "so that all aspects of the work needed to prepare the way for the repatriation of refugees may begin, including confidence-building measures..." The extension of MINURSO's mandate had been recommended last week by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.