MOSCOW, June 25 (RIA Novosti) – Russia on Tuesday reiterated its position that a political settlement in Western Sahara must be based on a resolution by the United Nations.
In late April, the UN Security Council approved a regional settlement plan in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco.
“We continually and completely support the work of the United Nations,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday during talks with his Algerian counterpart, Mourad Medelci.
Russia is in favor of a direct dialogue “to provide conditions for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara,” Lavrov said, emphasizing that the implementation of the UN resolution is key to “maintaining international peace and security.”
Last year the Security Council extended a mandate for a UN mission to remain in the area until April 30, 2014, and called on the parties involved to cooperate fully with the task force.
