UN 4th Committee adopts draft resolution reiterating support for negotiations on the Sahara

   The UNGA "supports the process of negotiations initiated by Security Council resolution 1754 (2007) and further sustained by Council resolutions 1783 (2007), 1813 (2008) and 1871 (2009), with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution," said the resolution, which confirms the UNGA's support expressed in its previous session.

    Under the resolution that is due to be definitively endorsed at the UNGA's next plenary session, the member-states "take note of efforts and developments since 2006", referring to the momentum created by the Moroccan initiative to grant autonomy to the Sahara region in order to put an end to this regional dispute.

    They also welcome the "commitment of the parties to continue to show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue, in order to enter into a more intensive phase of negotiations," as well as the ongoing negotiations between the parties under the auspices of the United Nations.

    The General Assembly, which welcomes the appointment of Christopher Ross as the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Sahara, expresses its satisfaction with the holding of an informal meeting convened by Ross on 10-11 August 2009 in Dürnstein, Austria, to prepare for the fifth round of negotiations.