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تدشين مرافق على هامش الاحتفال بالذكرى الـ 36 للوحدة الوطنية ببلدة تفاريتي المحررة

2011-10-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

اتفاريتي (المناطق المحررة) 15 أكتوبر 2011 - دشن عضو الأمانة الوطنية ،قائد الناحية العسكرية الخامسة السيد حمة سلامة و رفقة أعضاء من البرلمان والمجلس الاستشاري الصحراوي و وزارة العدل والشؤون الدينة ،عديد من المرافق الاجتماعية التي تعزز مسيرة البناء والسيادة للدولة الصحراوية و التي تأتي تجسيدا لقرارات وتوصيات المؤتمر الثاني عشر .

وخلال كلمته التي ألقاها بالمناسبة الأربعاء الماضي ، ذكر عضو الأمانة الوطنية الحاضرين بمعاني ودلالات الحدث خاصة و أن الذكرى تأتي تزامنا مع الذكرى الأولى لمخيم الاستقلال "اكديم أزيك"، وبعد أيام من "الهجوم الدموي" الذي تعرض له المواطنون الصحراويون بمدينة الداخلة المحتلة، وفي والوقت الذي يحضر الشعب الصحراوي لعقد المؤتمر الثالث عشر للجبهة ،في ظرف يشهد تصعيدا خطيرا من قبل العدو يهدف أساسا إلى ضرب وحدة الصحراويين ।

.وقد دشن قائد الناحية مرفوقا بمدير التوجيه بوزارة العدل والشؤون الدينية ، السيد سيد احمد أعليات مسجد خالد بن الوليد الذي أقيمت به صلاة الاستسقاء تضرعا إلى المولى عزوجل ।

وفي ظل التزايد المستمر لسكان الريف الوطني، ونظرا للحاجة الماسة لزيادة المدارس، تم تدشين صفوف جديد بالمدرسة الابتدائية، إضافة إلى ترميم أخرى مع انطلاق الدخول الاجتماعي لهده السنة ।

وقد عبر التلاميذ عن سعادتهم بهذه الخطوة التي ستمكنهم من اخذ حقهم كاملا في التعليم المجاني والصحة ،وكل الحقوق التي من شانها المساهمة في جعل جيل المستقبل ينمي ذهنه في بلد يضع ذلك الحق فوق كل اعتبار رغم الظروف الصعبة وقلة الإمكانيات ।

وقد شهد الحدث ، لتصفيات النهائية لفرق الناحية العسكرية الخامسة ، حيث سلم قائد الناحية شهادت تقديرية للاعبين الفريق الفائز و الفرق الاخري على التوالي

SADR government: speech of Moroccan king is provocation detriment interests of both Saharawi and Moroccan people

2010-08-22T03:40:00.001-07:00

Bir Lahlou (Liberated Territories), August 22, 2010 (SPS) – The SADR government condemned Saturday the speech of the Moroccan king, considering it a provocation detriment the interests of the peoples of both countries, putting security and stability of the whole region at risk and undermines the credibility of the United Nations, according to a statement issued Saturday by the Saharawi Ministry of Information.

The Moroccan king renewed, in his speech August 20, the Moroccan policy of intransigence, expansion and fuelling war and tension in the whole region through ignoring the international legitimacy and refusing the UN efforts, the same source added.

The Saharawi government noted that king of Morocco, while addressing the cause of Western Sahara, allowed himself to exercise the colonial policy on a ground which no one recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over it, trying to inject the territory into what he called domestic to impose the de facto policy of colonialism and continuing the human rights violations in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara.

“The SADR government holds Morocco full responsibility of blocking the negotiations which aim to organize a free and fair referendum of self-determination to the Saharawi people under the UN auspices, deciding through it their destiny freely and transparently” the statement added.

It denounced the flagrant violations of human rights committed by Moroccan state against the Saharawi citizens in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara and the illegal plundering of the Saharawi natural resources under sponsorship of the United Nations.

It also called on the UN Secretary General and the Security Council to take full responsibility in pressuring Moroccan government to comply with the international legitimacy through enabling the Saharawi people to exercise their legitimate right of self-determination and independence, respect the human rights of the Saharawi citizens and stop the Moroccan plundering of the Saharawi natural resources in the Occupied Territories of Western Sahara. (SPS)

089/090/000 221133 AUGUST 10 SPS

Parties from Latin American adopts resolution supporting independence of Western Sahara

2010-08-22T02:03:00.000-07:00

Buenos Aires (Argentina), August 21, 2010 (SPS) - The 16th Conference of Sao Paulo Forum, which was attended by 29 progressive parties from 13 Latin American countries, adopted unanimously Friday in Buenos Aires a motion, expressing political support for the independence of Western Sahara and demanding the United Nations to impose sanctions on Morocco.

The motion confirmed that all political parties participating in the forum "reject the illegal occupation of Western Sahara by the Kingdom of Morocco and serious and systematic violations of human rights committed against the Sahrawi citizens in the occupied territories."

The parties demanded from the United Nations to "adopt sanctions against Morocco in order to secure the release of all Saharawi political prisoners, reveal the fate of missing Sahrawis and cease all repressive and arbitrary practices against the civilian population."

They highlighted their support for the right to self-determination and independence in Western Sahara and organization of the referendum that the United Nations has decided in 1991, which systematically disrupted by Morocco.

The motion called for all the peoples and Governments of Latin America and the Caribbean, which has not recognized the SADR, to recognize it in order to ensure the holding of a referendum for self-determination and contribute to the decolonization and full independence of the Sahrawi people. (SPS)

089/090/TRA 211712 AUGUST 10 SPS

Personal Envoy of UN Secretary General holds Morocco responsible for blocking negotiations

2010-08-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

Madrid (Spain), August 22, 2010 (SPS) - The UN Secretary General Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, fully held Morocco responsible for blocking the UN efforts to decolonize the Western Sahara, in a letter addressed to the Western Sahara Friends Group, Spanish newspaper “El Pais” reported Friday.

Christopher Ross expressed his deep regret on the Moroccan rejection to discuss the proposal of the Polisario Front in the last meetings between the two parties to the conflict in Westchester County, New York, February 2010, underlining the positive dealing of Polisario Front with the UN efforts.

The American diplomat revealed "The Secretary General and I cannot by ourselves convince the parties to abandon their unyielding attachment to mutually exclusive positions. We need specific support from both the Security Council and the Group of Friends."

He noted that "the current impasse is unacceptable on the long term," warning that the obstruction of negotiations could lead to the outbreak of the situation: “the danger that a military or paramilitary adventure could escalate into general confrontations as long as the diplomacy fails to produce progress.”

“Since my appointment, I have suggested to my Moroccan interlocutors that if they wish to bring the Polisario Front to accept their vision (…), they should demonstrate their good intentions and lenience towards Saharawi independence activists instead of restraining their freedom of movement and expression,” he added.

It is note worthy that the American Diplomat, Christopher Ross, has been appointed as a Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara January 2009 to work to find a political settlement to the question of Western Sahara and application of the Security Council resolutions that call for direct negotiations between the two parties to enable the Saharawi people to its right in self-determination.

The UN Secretary General Personal Envoy for Western Sahara supervised two rounds of informal meetings in Austria in August 2009 and New York in February 2010 without any progress. (SPS)

089/090/000 221133 AUGUST 10 SPS

Information

2010-08-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

For technical reasons the news of Sahara Press Service are published here. The normal service will be retablished as quickly as possible.

After 40 days of hunger strike: serious deterioration in health of Sahrawi political prisoner Abass Sibai

2010-07-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ouarzazate (Morocco), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - The Association for the Protection of Saharawi Prisoners in Moroccan Prisons warned in a statement Friday of the grave deterioration of health of Sahrawi political prisoner Abbas Sibai, because of the complications of the unlimited hunger strike he waged since 40 days, in protest at his arbitrary detention.

According to the Association, the prison administration had to transfer him to a hospital in Moroccan city of Ouarzazate in a very serious situation without responding to his legitimate demands, warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe in light of negligence with which Moroccan State deals with his medical file.

The Association held Moroccan state fully responsible for the consequences of its disregard of the demands of the Sahrawi political prisoner, appealing urgently to the state organizations and conscious people to intervene and put pressure on Morocco to release him and all Saharawi political prisoners.

The Association declared in a statement its solidarity with all the victims of the Moroccan repressive policy, and called for opening of a just and independent investigation of all violations against the Sahrawi political prisoners by prison staff.

Finally, the Association called on the United Nations to provide a mechanism for the protection of human rights in Western Sahara and ensure the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. (SPS)

062/090/000 241816 JULY 10 SPS

President of Republic arrives in Kampala to attend XV AU summit

2010-07-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

Kampala (Uganda), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario front, Mohamed Abdelaziz, arrived Saturday morning in Kampala to take part, alongside his African counterparts, in the works of the 15th summit of the African Union (UA), which will open Sunday, said an official source close to the presidential delegation.

On his arrival at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), the President of the Republic, was received by senior officials and responsibles, headed by Mr. Crispus Kiyonga Kiyonga, defense minister of Uganda.

The President of the Republic held talks with Ugandan officials, focusing on matters related to bilateral relations between the two countries, the Saharawi Republic and the Republic of Uganda, especially the important issues and topics to be raised at the Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The president is accompanied by an important delegation, comprising Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, foreign minister, Fatima Mahdi, secretary general of the National Union of Saharawi Women, Sidi Mohamed Omar, ambassador to Addis Ababa and the AU, Habib BouKris, ambassador to Uganda, Ambassador Ahmed Hamad Yahya, Abdati Breik, advisor to the Presidency and Omar, first counselor in Saharawi Embassy in Uganda. (SPS)

062/090/000 241200 JULY 10 SPS

Saharawi Foreign Minister holds talks with his African counterparts

2010-07-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Kampala (Uganda), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Salem Ouled Salek, held talks with his African counterparts and observers from Asia, Europe, Latin America and Australia, on the sidelines of the 17th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council.

The workings of the 17th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council continue for the second day in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, by debating and adopting series of reports which submitted to the Council by the Committee of the Permanent Representatives.
The opening session witnessed debate and unanimous ratification of report of the President of the AU Commission on the activities of the commission (from January to June 2010), which confirmed the principal position of the African Union on the question of Western Sahara, and asserted the commitment and support of the Union to the Saharawi self-determination as the only solution to the conflict in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council and General.

Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is represented in this meeting by a delegation led by Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front and Minister of Foreign Affairs and comprises Dr. Sidi Mohamed Ammar, ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to African Union, Habib Bukhris, ambassador to Uganda, and Omar, first counsellor in Saharawi Embassy in Uganda. (SPS)

089/090/TRA 241332 JULY 10 SPS

Namibia calls on African Union for decolonization of Western Sahara

2010-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Kampala (Uganda), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Namibia, Mr. Utoni Nujoma, called on the African Union countries to give more support to the decolonization of Western Sahara, stressing that the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Mr. Nujoma said in a speech before the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, which was started Thursday in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, that "it is a matter of condemnation, after a decade since the advent of twenty-first century; colonialism is still an issue facing the African Union."

In this regard, he indicated that the delegation of his country, "notes with satisfaction paragraphs 150-152 of the report (presented to the Executive Council), relating to the situation in the Western Sahara." He also takes into account the terms of the Tripoli Plan of Action, which reiterated the commitment of Africa to hold a referendum of self-determination that would allow the people of Western Sahara to decide its own future."

Mr. Nujoma said that "Namibia considers that the AU could do more to enable the people of Western Sahara to exercise its inalienable right to self-determination.
He asserted that Africa "will not be free unless the people of Western Sahara have its freedom," and that "it is the duty of Africa to help the people of Western Sahara in its quest for freedom and independence."

Mr. Nujoma concluded that his country "demands the immediate and unconditional application of the United Nations settlement plan in Western Sahara as well as Security Council and General Assembly resolutions aimed at holding a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara. (SPS)

062/090/000 241126 JULY 10 SPS

African Union renews its commitment to continue to work for organization of referendum for self-determination in Western Sahara

2010-07-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Kampala (Uganda), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - The African Union Commissioner, Mr. Jean Ping, renewed Africa's commitment to a referendum for self-determination in Western Sahara, in his report on the activities of the Commission before the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which started Thursday in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

According to the report, "the African Union will continue to support the efforts to resolve the conflict in Western Sahara on the basis of the Security Council and General Assembly relevant resolutions and Tripoli plan of action, which reiterated the commitment of Africa to hold a referendum of self-determination that would allow the people of Western Sahara to choose between the territory's independence or merger in the Kingdom of Morocco."

As pointed out by Mr. Jean Ping in the evaluation report between the two sessions of the Executive Council in paragraph 152 that the African Union "will continue to consult with the Secretariat of the United Nations and others concerned on the basis of the guidelines contained in the Tripoli Plan of Action."

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is represented in this session by a delegation led by Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front and minister of Foreign Affairs, along with Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union and Habib Bukhris, ambassador to Uganda. (SPS)

062/090/000 241029 JULY 10 SPS

Unemployed Saharawi graduates rally in Rabat against Moroccan plunder of Western Sahara’s natural resources

2010-07-24T07:21:00.001-07:00

Rabat (Morocco), July 24, 2010 (SPS) - Highly educated Saharawi took to the streets in Rabat, during the first two weeks of July, denouncing the Moroccan plunder of Western Sahara’s natural resources and the fact that they are discriminated in the job market simply for being Saharawi, Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) reported Tuesday.

About 300 unemployed Saharawi graduates demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Interior and the Prime Minister’s residency in Rabat.
All the protesters are young, highly-educated, but jobless. It’s certainly not a lack of qualifications that accounts for their unemployment. The hurdle seems to be the fact that they are Saharawi, not Moroccan.

Disgruntled protesters carried banners saying “highly educated Saharawi demand jobs now” and “our Sahara’s resources can provide us with jobs”. Which triggered the Moroccan police to react strongly, eyewitnesses said. The police tried to stop the manifestation by blocking the streets. An employee of the Royal Palace is said to have tried to run over protesters by car. Mehdi Zdaidat, one of the protesters, got wounded in the act and had to be taken to hospital.

“Morocco gains so much money exploiting Western Sahara, and Saharawi can’t even get jobs. If highly educated Saharawi face that kind of discrimination, imagine what it’s like for other Saharawi who didn’t receive higher education”, said a participant.

Of those who demonstrated 62 are said to have a DESA degree (Diplôme d'Études Supérieur Appliqué) and 218 hold Master degrees.

Since the Moroccan invasion of Western Sahara in 1975, the Moroccan authorities have illegally exploited the territory’s abundant natural resources and poured the gains into furthering the untenable occupation. The job opportunities that resulted from the exploitation of the territory go to Moroccan settlers, lured into the territory with incentives of lower taxes, subsidies and housing programmes. (SPS)

062/090/000 240928 JULY 10 SPS

2010-01-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

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SADR/MAURITANIA/VISIT

2010-01-11T10:19:00.001-08:00

Minister of foreign affairs in official visit to Mauritania

Nouakchott Jan 11, 2010(SPS) the Member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front and Minister of Foreign affairs, Mohamed Salem Salek, arrived Monday at Nouakchott, in framework of official visit to Mauritania.

The Minister will meet in next hours with the Mauritanian president, Mohamed ould Abdelaziz,to deliver him a message from his Saharawi counterpart , Mohamed Abdel Aziz, according to Mauritania Media. (SPS)

080/090/TRA111855JAN2010SPS

SPS website has hacked again

2010-01-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

Shahid Al-Hafed (Sahrawi Refugee Camps), Jan11, 2010 (SPS) Monday night (00: 00 G.M.T) SPS website has attacked again and its recent contains were destroyed by Moroccan Hackers identified by their propaganda left on the main page.

Consequently, the staff of SPS decided to stop the main website on internet and informs its readers that they will receive our news, in four languages, through the lists of subscribers, blog and fax, until fixed it.

It should be recalled that SPS website had subjected to another attack on 18-20 December 2009 by Moroccan Hackers defending official positions of Moroccan regime concern Saharawi cause and threatened to work to revenge from Sahara Press Service (SPS).

In this occasion while SPS denounces this work which aims to create confusion on Western Sahara issue, it expresses its willing to continue exposes violations of human rights committed by Moroccan regime in occupied Western Sahara and its crimes against Saharawi human rights activists. (SPS)

080/090/TRA111315JAN2010SPS

Polisario Front calls on Spain to give impetus to organize referendum

2010-01-04T03:07:00.000-08:00

Polisario Front calls on Spain to give impetus to organize the referendum
Madrid, Jan4, 2010(SPS) the Polisario Front called on Sunday the Spanish government to give imputes to organize a referendum on self-determination of the Saharawi people during its presidency of EU to enable Saharawi people to freely decide its destiny in accordance with resolutions of United Nations.

The member of National Secretariat and coordinator with MINURSO,Mhamed Khadad, told Spanish agency(EFE) that “ Spanish presidency of EU is a big opportunity to push for respecting international legality concern Saharawi conflict,”

He affirmed that the recognition of Saharawi people’s right to self-determination should be accompanied by organization of referendum to allow Saharawi people to choose between independence, autonomy or integration with Morocco.

“ we don’t want to create problems between Morocco and Spain ,so they can have a good relationship but Spain should shoulder its historical responsibilities towards conflict and push to organize referendum,” he said.

He continued that the next summit between EU and Morocco to be held on March 8 Granada “will be perfect chance to ask Rabat to respect human rights and put an end to repression against civilian population in occupied territories,”

He finally denounced Moroccan policy of intimidation against Saharawi militants including Aminatou Haidar, since her return from Lantharoti airport (Canary islands) after 32 days of hunger strike.(SPS)

080/090/TRA 41123JAN2010SPS

Polisario Front condemns Moroccan military movements in southern area of Western Sahara

2010-01-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

Bir lehlu (liberated territories) , Jan3, 2009(SPS) The bureau of national Secretariat of the Polisario front, condemned Moroccan military air and ground movements in southern area of occupied Western Sahara as well as the actions of strengthen and enhancing the fortifications of military wall.

The Bureau remained in a release reached SPS that these movements and enhancements are a flagrant violation to ongoing ceasefire between Saharawi army and Morocco under auspices of UN pending the organization of self-determination of the Saharawi people.

The office in its meeting chaired Saturday by president of the Republic and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mohamed Abdelaziz, condemned “ the continued campaigns of repressions ,arrests, unfair trails and siege against citizens, students and Saharawi human rights activists in occupied territories , southern Morocco and Moroccan universities,”

It affirmed that there must be “intervention by international community to stop Moroccan campaign against Saharawi defenceless citizens, end home arrest on ,Aminatou Haidar, end siege that imposed on her comrades and release of the group of seven ,Yahya Mohamed alhafed Iazaa and all Saharawi political prisoners”

The National Secretariat office stressed the need for an urgent end to the work of the “Moroccan military provocation over occupied territories of Western Sahara and to stop the strengthening of the military wall which represents real threat to security and peace and a crime against humanity, it is time to put it down,” according to the release.

It finally called on UN to assume its” responsibilities to stop all these dangerous escalation policies which will not provide necessary circumstances to conduct direct negotiations between two parties of the conflict ,POlisario Front and Morocco guarantee right of the Saharawi people to self- determination and independence in accordance with the resolutions of international legality.” Ended the communiqué.(SPS)

080/090/TRA/31125JAN2010SPS

Special envoy for Western Sahara visits Saharawi refugees camps

2010-01-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

Shahid Alhafed,Jan2,2009(SPS) the special envoy of UN Secretary General for western sahara, Hani abdelaziz, Started Saturday his first visit to the Saharawi refugees camps ,for several days, according to protocol.

The special envoy met Saturday with the Saharawi coordinator with MINURSO, Mhamed Khadad and the Minister of foreign affairs, Mohamed Salem Salek, while his meetings will continue tomorrow with many Saharawi officials including head of parliament, Mahfud Alibaiba, responsible of political orientation ,Bachir Mustapha, and Minister of culture,Khadija Hamdi, according to the source.

The special envoy who was accompanied by political and legal counsellor in charge of programme of exchange visits, chief of forces of MINURSO and other employees, will Sunday visit Wilaya of Dakhla and many national social institutions , ended the source.(SPS)

080/090/000/21925JAN2010 SPS

Aminatou Haidar Under house arrest

2010-01-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

Laayoune(occupied territories) , Jan 2, 2010 (SPS) – 15 days after her return to her country , Saharawi human rights activist ,Aminatou haidar, is living under a house arrest imposed by Moroccan forces of repression , according to a source from occupied city of Laayoune.

Her house is surrounded from four sides and the neighborhoods and streets close to her house are completely full of police, gendarmerie and Moroccan security services, to prevent Saharawis from visiting her to congratulate her after returning home without any conditions, the source added.

Moroccan authorities in November 14, 2009, fired, Aminatou, from her occupied homeland (Western Sahara) to Spain, because of her political opinions that demanding the self-determination and independence for the Saharawi people and her peaceful campaigns against Moroccan violations of human rights in Western Sahara.

after a hunger strike in a Spanish airport of Lantharoti for 32 days and a pressure on Morocco by UN, organizations ,centers, personalities and countries around the world , She return to her city Laayoune in Dec18,2009.

"The siege is continuing. I am under house arrest. Family members and neighbours have problems visiting me. Shops in my neighbourhood are suffering from the siege," Haidar told Reuters by telephone days after her return.

The exist of hundreds members of Security forces and security procedures days and nights in addition to prevent Saharawi human rights defenders and foreign correspondents from visit Haidar's house denote that Moroccan authorities are putting the area under state of alert , Said the same source .(SPS)

080/090/000/21225JAN2010SPS

Savage attack against family of Sahrawi detainee Sheikh Amidan

2010-01-02T02:22:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (occupied territories), Jan 2, 2010 (SPS) - The family of Sahrawi political prisoner Sheikh Amidan, in the occupied city of Laayoune, was brutally attacked by the prison director, Abdalilah Azenfuri and a group of his staff, during its visit to its son, serving a five-year prison sentence the carcel negra (Black Jail).

According to Sahrawi human rights sources, sister of political prisoner Sheikh Amidan, Aziza, and Uncle Hasan Amidan were subjected to ill-treatment, beatings and insults.

The same source said the attack resulted in injuries to Aziza at the back and she and her uncle were prevented from visiting her brother or delivering to him thing that he needed in this terrible prison, which lacks the most basic humane living conditions.

062/090/TRA 021030 JAN 09 SPS

Last group of seven Sahrawi detainees brought before military court in Rabat

2010-01-01T03:56:00.000-08:00

Rabat (Morocco), Jan 1, 2010 (SPS) - The last group of the seven Sahrawi political prisoners, detained in sale prison, Morocco, was brought before a prosecutor in a military court in Rabat, human rights sources reported.

It concerned, according to the sources, Ahmed Nasiri, Degja Lashgar and Yahzih Taruzi.

Like the previous group, the three detainees were presented before the prosecutor as a part of a detailed investigation in the event of their arrest after being kidnapped by the Moroccan intelligence services in Mohammed V airport in Casablanca, immediately after they arrived from the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algeria, on the grounds of their visit to the Sahrawi refugee camps in the period from September 26 to October 06, 2009.

On the other hand, the Ministry of the Occupied Territories confirmed that the psychological and physical health status of Sahrawi political prisoner Degja Lashgar, brought Thursday before the prosecutor, remains very worrying, expressing fear to evolve for the worse, if her treatment and examination by a specialist continued to be neglected in an isolation cell in the local prison of Sale.

The seven detainees asserted, during preliminary and detailed interrogation, their visit to the Saharawi refugee camps was of human and familiar aspects and that their arrest only an attempt by Morocco to fabricate charges of political nature against them.

062/090/TRA 011145 JAN 10 SPS

Year 2009 filled with achievements ... Saturated with challenges

2010-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Shahid Alhafed (Sahrawi Refuigee Camps), Jan 1, 2010 (SPS) - The year 2009 was marked by important events in the course of the decolonization of Western Sahara and consolidation of Sahrawi state institutions on the ground, as viewed by many observers in addition to intense Sahrawi presence on the international stage, under stable programmes and policy of development and construction of the liberated territories and ease of pressure on the refugees concerning the humanitarian aid, which has been increased significantly, compared to the last year.

The Sahrawi National Council (Parliament), in its evaluation of December, assessed the achievements made, particularly the increased struggle in the occupied territories, according to an assessment by the Ministry of the Occupied Territories submitted to this session.

According to the session, the human rights work "confused the Moroccan regime and forced it to confess the falsity of the slogans of democracy and human rights and fragility of its colonial plans.
The Council stopped on an outcome presented by the Prime Minister on the overall achievements of the Year in the forefront of it were the activities of the Sahrawi communities abroad and unity of all Sahrawis on the grand national choices and adherence to the Polisario Front as the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people.

Concerning the construction of the liberated territories, the assessment, which attracted the attention of the members of the Council, recorded the level of readiness of the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army and its oversight of the reconstruction efforts and building of vital installations (Administrative, health and education facilities) in those liberated territories.

The year 2009 also witnessed, in the field of humanitarian aid, alleviation of the suffering of the Sahrawi refugees and removing the specter of the pressures practice in this direction, with restoration of normal relations with foreign dealers (the United States, the European Commission for aid, Italy, Spain) and strengthening of relationships with many international organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Program ... and increasing food elements concretely, according to reports of international agencies in support of the Sahrawi people, in light of promising prospects for multi-aid support, especially in vital areas (nutrition, health, education, transport ..) according to those on charge of projects that are now in the process of completion.

The visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Gutierrez to the region last September had the positive impact both on the humanitarian support or to refute the fallacies of Rabat and those revolved around its dissertation, according to the president of the Sahrawi Red Crescent.

The camps and liberated territories were a destination for large numbers of visitors (ten thousand), as was estimated by the Directorate of Sahrawi Protocol, including dealers, politicians, diplomats and individuals.

The year witnessed the presidential visits to many countries and bodies (Spanish provinces, Conference of the International coordinating bodies in Barcelona, Latin American countries, Conference of Socialist Youth, Hungary ...) in addition to the exceptional contribution in the African Union summit.

The motion of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union, meeting on the sidelines of the ceremony in Tripoli of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya fortieth anniversary of the first September Revolution and that approved by the Pan-African Parliament, South Africa, were again confirmation of positions of states and bodies in Africa, to affix to international legitimacy by organizing a referendum on self-determination and respect for human Rights in Western Sahara, according to report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted to the session.

The year 2009 witnessed a remarkable Sahrawi presence in the platforms and international forums, particularly the UN General Assembly in October, Non-Aligned Movement in July, international organizations active in human rights issues such as the Human Rights Council and other international bodies such as the Socialist International and the second Pan-African Festival in Algiers, where the Sahrawi attendance was distinct.

The outgoing year was marked by the engagement of countries and organizations in supporting the Saharawi cause and advocacy of activists of independence intifada, who broke the siege and publicly visited the Sahrawi refugee camps and liberated territories in October.

There were tens of Sahrawi political prisoners, the Group of the Seven was in the front of them, recognized by international bodies, as a part of a policy of serious and unprecedented escalation since the cease of fire, according to the Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Mohamed Abdelaziz, culminated the speech of the King of Morocco on November 6, declaring war on all those who advocate the right to self-determination or say that Sahara is western.

The year 2009 saw the return of the Sahrawi issue on the forefront of the events as never seen before thanks to the wave of sympathy and solidarity that accompanied the hunger strike of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar at the Spanish airport of Lanzarote from November14 to December18, in protest of her expulsion from Laayoune after returning from the United States America after winning the Civil Courage Prize.

The liberated territories of Tifariti hosted many activities and visits, including holding the demonstration of Artifariti and commemoration of national events.

The Sahara Marathon demonstration,World Festival of Cinema in Western Sahara and International Cultural demonstration of Artifariti attracted growing numbers of supporters with the Sahrawi cause, which strongly participated along with Sahrawi citizens, as was evaluated by the Ministry of Culture.

Concerning media and foreign affairs, the broadcast of the first Sahrawi national television was launched and opening of new Embassies and Offices and establishment of diplomatic relations with different countries across the five continents. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 011030 JAN 10 SPS

Kidnapped Sahrawi found in Moroccan jail of Akasha

2009-12-31T07:24:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (Occupied Territories), Dec 31, 2009 (SPS) - Former Sahrawi political prisoner Hadi Ahmed Mahmoud Alkenan was found in Okasha prison in Casablanca, Morocco, whom has been abducted by the Moroccan authorities with a member of his family, Mahmoudi Hussein, in Rabat, his family affirmed.

The family of the political prisoner said her son lived in very miserable conditions in the prison, where he is subjected to harassment and ill-treatment because of his political position on the question of Western Sahara, after relinquishing the Moroccan documents and having identity card of the Sahrawi Republic.

Sahrawi human rights sources alerted that the Moroccan authorities fabricated criminal charges, which he denied entirely when he was brought before the prosecutor and asserted that the real reason behind his arrest was on the grounds of his political position on the question of Western Sahara. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 311820 DEC 09 SPS

Second group of seven detainees brought before prosecutor in military court in Rabat

2009-12-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

Rabat, Dec 31, 2009 (SPS) - Three of the seven Sahrawi political prisoners jailed in Sale prison, Morocco, were brought before a prosecutor in a military court in Rabat, according to human rights sources.

The source said that the case concerned Alisalem Tamek, Vice-President of Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders (CODESA), Brahim Dahan, President of the Sahrawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State (ASVDH), Saleh Labehi, Chairperson of the Forum for Protection of childhood in Western Sahara (FPESSO).

It should be recalled that the group was arrested October 8, at Mohammed V airport in Casablanca on the grounds of their visit to the Saharawi refugee camps.

It also should be pointed out that the prosecutor listened Friday, on the same file, to Sahrawi political prisoner Rashid Sgair. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 3111715 DEC 09 SPS

Polisario Front reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with UN

2009-12-30T04:48:00.000-08:00

Bir Lahlou, Dec 30, 2009 (SPS) - the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front, renewed Wednesday readiness to " cooperate constructively with the efforts of UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to Western Sahara, Mr. Christopher Ross," saying that "The success of these efforts require the provision of appropriate circumstances, not appears that the Moroccan party is ready to contribute to guarantee them ,"

The National Secretariat in a statement concluded its seventh session chaired by President, Mohamed Abdel Aziz, claimed the United Nations to shoulder its responsibilities in the decolonization of Western Sahara, saying it should “put pressure on Morocco to respect human rights and international legality,”

In this context it called on the United Nations to " do all the necessary steps to put pressure on the Moroccan government, including punishments , of all kinds, in order to comply with the requirements of international legitimacy, and to negotiate without preconditions, to find a solution guaranties the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence. "

Polisario Front condemned, "Morocco's new escalating campaign," calling on the United Nations "for the urgent implementation of mission of (MINURSO), which is the organization of a free, and fair referendum for self-determination for the Saharawi people."

National Secretariat asked for removing " all causes of tension and manifestations of tightness in the region, such as security and police siege imposed on the Western Sahara, the Moroccan military wall, which constitutes a crime against humanity in the twenty-century and disclosure of fate of more than 500 missing civilians and 151 Sahrawi prisoners of war in Morocco , "

It also demanded to stop "Moroccan campaign” and the release of Digja Lashger , Ali Salem Tamek,Brahim Dahane, Hammadi Nassiri, Saleh Labaihi, Yahdih Tarruzi, Bashir Sgair, Yahya Mohamed Hafez Iaza and all Sahrawi political prisoners, and to establish a mechanism to protect, monitor and report on human rights in Western Sahara, “ and put an end to looting of natural resources of Saharawi people from the Moroccan government. "

Polisario Front reminded the Spanish state, "which holds the presidency of the European Union, the legal and historical responsibilities towards the completion of the decolonization of Western Sahara." (SPS)

080/090/301150 December 09 SPS

SRC signs agreement with Swedish organization of Praktis

2009-12-29T04:46:00.000-08:00

Shahid Alhafed Dec 29,2009 (SPS) - Saharawi Red Croissant and Swedish organization, Praktis solidarity, signed Tuesday, in headquarters of the Saharawi organization in Shahid Alhafed , two agreements of cooperation in the humanitarian field and promotion of bilateral relations, in a ceremony held on this occasion.

The agreement includes, according to the terms of the agreement, providing Saharawi refugees with 600 tons of conserved fish during the year 2010 and 400 tones of clothes.

Director of cooperation in SRC and vice president of the Swedish organization signed the agreement.

The Saharawi Representative in Sweden, Brahim Mojtar, indicated in this event that Sweden strongly supports Saharawi people in political and social fields, recently “consolidated by recognition of Swedish Socialist Party to SADR” he said.

It should be recalled that many Swedish organizations have relations of friendship with Saharawi Red Croissant for more than 20 years. (SPS)

080/090/000/ 291125 DEC 09 SPS

Sahrawi Youth Organization demands Polisario Front not to negotiate with Morocco before release of Sahrawi political prisoners

2009-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Shahid Alhafed(Sahrawi Refugee Camps), Dec 25, 2009 (SPS) – The Sahrawi Youth Organization, UJSARIO, called Thursday on the political leadership of the Polisario Front to halt negotiations with the Moroccan occupant and not to enter the new round of talks before the release of all Sahrawi political detainees, in particular the seven human rights activists in the Moroccan prison of Sale.

The call was launched during the executive bureau meeting of the organization, chaired by its Secretary-General, member of the National Secretariat of the Polisario Front, Mr. Moussa Selma, where the Bureau stressed in statement that the seven Sahrawi activists of human rights before any negotiations could take place.

This comes at the time the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Western Sahara, Mr. Christopher Ross, tries to hold a second meeting of informal negotiations between the Polisario Front and Morocco, early next year.

062/090/000 250910 DEC 09 SPS

Western Sahara activist under house arrest in Morocco (Reuters)

2009-12-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (Occupied Territories), Dec 24, 2009 (SPS) - Western Sahara independence activist Aminatou Haidar said Moroccan police had surrounded her house and kept her under house arrest since her return to her homeland after a hunger strike in Spain, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

"The siege is continuing. I'm under house arrest. Family members and neighbours have problems visiting me. Shops in my neighbourhood are suffering from the siege," Aminatou told Reuters by telephone.

Reuters reporters travelled to Laayoune, Western Sahara's main city, to interview her at her home but security forces blocked access. Other journalists have also been prevented from meeting Haidar, Reuters further reported.

She vowed to step up her struggle for human rights in Western Sahara despite Moroccan repression, the source added.

Aminatou Haidar's hunger strike focused international attention on Western Sahara's dispute in a way rarely seen in the 35 years since Morocco annexed the territory after Spain pulled out, it pointed out.

"I have the courage of my conviction to carry on with the defense of the cause of self-determination of the Sahrawi people. I will never waver despite the threats of jail, abduction, torture and exile," Aminatou added.

"Morocco represses the Sahrawi population while it is negotiating with the Polisario Front."

Haidar has become of "symbol of a nation" for Sahrawis in Western Sahara as well as in refugee camps, the source denoted. (SPS)

062/090/000 240945 DEC 09 SPS

Spain "did not recognize Moroccan sovereignty" over Western Sahara

2009-12-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

MADRID, December 23, 2009 (SPS) - The Spanish Foreign Ministry affirmed that Spain "did not recognize any kind of sovereignty" of Morocco over Western Sahara, refuting statements by Moroccan authorities the day after the return of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar.

In a statement by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs published Tuesday, affirmed that this later "did not recognize any kind of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, or any legal assessment on any exercise of any power by Morocco on this region."

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the Spanish Government " merely called for negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations for a solution to the conflict still exists since decades in light of the suffering of the Saharawi people."

Secretary of Organization of the Socialist Party Leire Pajin affirmed in a press conference after the recent cabinet meeting that the position of this later on the question of Western Sahara "has been to search for a just and final solution to enable the Sahrawi people to exercise its right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions."

the House of Representatives (lower chamber of the Spanish Parliament) has recently approved a list proposed by the Socialist Party requesting the Spanish government to support resolution of Representatives confirming "the need to respect the final status of international legitimacy and free will of the Saharawi people to self-determination through a referendum According to the Charter of the United Nations and resolutions of the Security Council."(SPS)

062/090/000 241030 DEC 09 SPS

U.N. envoy for Western Sahara to hold new consultations early 2010

2009-12-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

New York, Dec 24, 2009 (SPS) - The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy is continuing his consultations with a view to organizing the next meeting early next year.

Asked about the nature and timing of an eventual meeting organized by the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, the Spokesman said that this meeting would be informal, such as the talks held in Vienna last August.

He reiterated that the Personal Envoy was continuing his consultations with a view to organizing a meeting early next year but that there were no exact dates for the holding of these talks. (SPS)

062/090/000 240930 DEC 09 SPS

Sahrawi human rights activist Rashid Sgair appears before prosecutor in military court in Rabat

2009-12-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

Rabat (Morocco), Dec 24, 2009 (SPS) - A trusted source has affirmed that the Sahrawi human rights activist, arrested in Sale of Morocco, Rachid Sgair, is expected to appear Friday before a prosecutor in a military court in Rabat under detailed investigation on the file, which he has been pursuing along with the seven Sahrawi human rights, who visited the Sahrawi refugee camps between September 26 to 06 October 2009.

The prosecutor in the same court, according to the source, has summoned a member of the group, Saleh Labehi, on Dec 17, 2009, but he did not present because it was coincided with the first day of the new Muslim-year 1432.

Pursuing the same file, besides the above mentioned detainee, Sahrawi human rights defenders Alisalem Tamek, Brahim Dahan, Degja Lashgar, Ahmed Nasiri, Yahzih Taruzi and Saleh Labehi.

Sahrawi human rights defenders have spent more than 70 days waiting to be militarily tried, because of their political positions on the question of Western Sahara, as well as their human rights activities that expose Moroccan Human Rights violations in Western Sahara. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 242040 DEC 09 SPS

Attack on Sahrawi woman in occupied city of Smara

2009-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Smara (occupied territories) December 23, 2009 (SPS) – The SPS Agency has been informed that the Moroccan repressive apparatus intruded a house of a Sahrawi family, Ahel Jauda, in the occupied city of Smara, where they messed up the property of the family and its belongings, blaspheming and cursing it, as well as the neighbors, according to eye witnesses.

The source added that the intrusion resulted in seriously injuring of the mother, Fatma Hanun, taken to hospital, where she was not given any immediate care and doctors refused to give her medical certificate stating the duration of disability, according to the same source (SPS)

062/090/000 231645 DEC 09 SPS

President of Republic draws attention of UN Secretary General to serious situation of Sahrawi political prisoner Degja Lashgar

2009-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Bir Lahlou, Dec 23, 2009 SPS – The President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mohamed Abdelaziz, notified the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on the serious situation of Sahrawi detainee and activist Degja Lashgar in the Moroccan prison of Sale, in a letter Tuesday.

Following is a translation of the full text of the letter:

"Bir Lahlou, December 22, 2009

Mr. Ban Ki-moon,

Secretary-General of the United Nations,

New York

Mr. Secretary-General,

I urgently address you in this letter on a serious deterioration, threatening of dire consequences, concerning the health situation of human rights activist Degja Lashgar, in Sale prison, near the Moroccan capital, Rabat.

This Sahrawi political prisoner is suffering of very terrible conditions of detention, in solitary confinement, under siege and strict control, completely desolated from the outside world, deprived of the means of communication and information, and even her right to treatment and medical follow-up, not to mention the lack of food, based on what her family brings her during its limited visits.

The place of detention is more than 1200 kilometers away from her family residence in the city of Laayoune, in the occupied Western Sahara, allowed to visit her only once a week, for no more than a quarter of an hour, the meeting is for a very short time, through a double iron fence, preventing direct contact .

Ms. Degja is in a cell that lacks health conditions with low ventilation, high moisture, dirt and insects. She is allowed to leave to the public arena for only half an hour a day, under heavy guard and continues deliberate harassment by the guards and prisoners of public right.

It adds up to the fact that this Sahrawi human rights activist already suffering of numerous serious diseases, severe pain in the stomach and back, resulting from periods of enforced disappearance exceeded ten years, since Moroccan security forces kidnapped her on the same day, December 22, 1980 and held her in their secret detention centers, such as Agdez and Derb Moulay Cherif and M'gouna, where she was exposed to the worst forms of torture, intimidation and ill-treatment.

Detainee Degja also suffers of severe pain on the level of head, high pressure and her mental condition is serious, because of psychological pressure exerted on her as result of isolation and siege. The testimonies given by some members of her family warn of her steadily deteriorating physical and mental conditions, without any urgent action on the part of Moroccan authorities to save her.

Mr. Secretary-General,

As I mentioned in previous correspondence, this activist of human rights was abducted and detained, together with six of her comrades who live in similar conditions of detention, on October 8, 2009 from the airport of city of Casablanca in Morocco, where Moroccan authorities announced that they will be brought before a military court, simply because they visited their families in the Sahrawi refugee camps.

These dangerous practices reflect repressive and systematic trend, animated and framed by the address of the King of Morocco on November 6, towards Sahrawi citizens, students and human rights activists, defending the right of self-determination for the Saharawi people, as an international sacred right, guaranteed by the charters and resolutions of the United Nations.

This fierce crackdown was marked by the increasing arrests, unfair trials, confiscation of documents of a group of human rights activists and eventually the arbitrary expulsion and forced transportation of human rights activist Aminatou Haidar.

Despite her return to her homeland, two sons and family, manifestations of oppression and harassment are still dominant, as Aminatou Haidar lives in her home in the city of Laayoune, the capital of the occupied Western Sahara, in a situation like house arrest, under siege and prevented from meeting with the media, citizens and human rights activists.

Mr. Secretary-General,

In front of all these rapid developments, I reaffirm that the time has come for the United Nations to take urgent necessary action to ensure the security and safety of the Sahrawi citizens, through an appropriate mechanism for the protection of human rights in Western Sahara, control and report them.

I emphasize in this letter on the need to seek your urgent intervention with the Moroccan state in order to save the life of human rights activist Degja Lashgar, whose physical and mental health conditions have become in a serious state.

At the time I renew my call for the release of the group of seven activists and all Sahrawi political prisoners, lifting the siege on the house of Aminatou Haidar, I call for your urgent intervention, by all available means, including sending an independent medical mission to assess the situation of Degja Lashgar and making the necessary steps against this dire humanitarian situation, which may cause the loss of an innocent human being.

Please accept, Mr. Secretary-General, the highest esteem and respect,

Mohamed Abdel-Aziz,

Secretary-General of the Polisario Front " (SPS)

062/090/000 231615 DEC 09 SPS

European Union donates million Euros for Saharan refugees

2009-12-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Algeria, Dec 23, 2009 (SPS) - The European Commission donated about one million Euros (975 thousand Euros) for the Sahrawi refugees in humanitarian aid, according to the statement of the EU delegation in Algeria.

The statement, reported by the Algerian press on Tuesday "such assistance added to 10 million Euros had been donated in June in aid for nutrition, health, water and waste treatment.

The assistance will be used within 12 months by World Food Programme, to conserve food for a long time in special places as well as reconstruction of 18 clinics.

The European Commission has provided, over years, nearly 144 million Euros in aid to Sahrawi refugees (SPS)

062/090/000 231730 DEC 09 SPS

Attack on Sahrawi woman in occupied city of Smara

2009-12-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

The source added that the intrusion resulted in seriously injuring of the mother, Fatma Hanun, taken to hospital, where she was not given any immediate care and doctors refused to give her medical certificate stating the duration of disability, according to the same source (SPS)

062/090/000 231645 DEC 09 SPS

Sahrawi political detainee Dgja Lashgar suffers psychological crisis

2009-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (Occupied Territories) Dec 22, 2009 (SPS) - The Family of kidnapped Sahrawi political detainee Dgja Lashgar was surprised at this latter's troubled and serious health condition, in particular the psychological and mental aspect, during the weekly visit by the family to the Moroccan prison of sale, according to the Ministry of Occupied Territories and Sahrawi Communities abroad.

It has been reported that the Sahrawi political prisoner had confirmed to her family, she had been exposed to ill treatment by the administration of the mentioned prison, explaining that she was locked up in solitary confinement emits foul odors, where there was no ventilation and permanently illuminated as a form of psychological and physical torture.

Sahrawi defender of human rights Dgja Lashgar is a member of the Executive Office of the Sahrawi Association of Victims of Grave Human Rights Violations Committed by the Moroccan State, among the group of seven Sahrawi human rights defenders, in detention waiting to be brought before a military court in Rabat on the grounds of their political positions on the question of Western Sahara, and visit to the Sahrawi refugee camps. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 221450 DEC 09 SPS

World must halt abuse in Western Sahara (President of Republic)

2009-12-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

Shahid Alhafed, Dec 22, 2009 (SPS) – The President of the Republic and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mohamed abdelaziz, indicated that the hunger strike of Saharawi human rights activist, Aminatou Haidar, shows the urgent need for the world to intervene to stop Moroccan human rights abuses in Western Sahara, Reuters reported Monday.

The President of the Republic told Reuters "her hunger strike has shed light on our struggle and has put the Western Sahara issue back at the top of the international agenda," according to the same source.

"Morocco should ... stop its campaign against our people inside the occupied territories."

"We urge the United Nations to set up a mechanism to protect our people's human rights ... and to report on it as long as the conflict is unresolved."

"Obviously there is today, more than ever before, urgency about finding a fair and comprehensive solution to the conflict. We are ready for direct talks with Morocco."

"We do believe though that there are measures that Morocco should take to facilitate the negotiations and show its good faith. One of these measures is the immediate release of seven of our activists," he concluded. (SPS)

080/090/000/221132 DEC 09 SPS

A letter of thanks from the President of the Republic to all those who supported human rights activist Aminatou Haidar

2009-12-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

ir Lahlou (liberated territories), Dec 20, 2009 (SPS) – The president of the Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, has appreciated the role of the solidarity movement, including states and governments, resulted in the return of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar to her homeland and family, commending the spirit of patience and steadfastness shown by the International Solidarity Movement during the 32 days, calling it to engage in a campaign for the release of the Group of Seven.

Following is a translation of the full text of the letter:

"Sahrawi Arabic Democratic Republic

Presidency

December 19, 2009

At the time we congratulate Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou haidar, all Sahrawi people and its friends around the world, on the occasion of her return, honoured and dignified, to her two sons and family in Laayoune, capital of occupied Western sahara, I would like to address all those who stood with aminatou for more than 32 days, as she waged unlimited hunger strike in Spanish airport of Lanzarote, after she was denied to return to her homeland.

I would like to address the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to all peoples, governments, parliaments, parties, organizations, associations and personalities who supported Aminatou Haidar, showing their boundless persistence of ideals of freedom, justice, peace, law, human rights and internartional legality, demonstrating the greatest form of solidarity and support.

I would like to thank all of you on that noble stand with a woman from Western Sahara, the Moroccan authorities of occupation wanted to take her off her land and deprive her of her natural and legitimate rights to entre her home country and join her two sons and family.

I would like to thank you and salute your spirit of patience and steadfastness as you accompanied resoluted and determined Aminatou Haidar to capture her rights.

I would like to thank you because your stand with Aminatou is a stand with all Sahrawi people, for its right to self-determination and independence and to live free and dignified on its land as all peoples of the world.

Aminatou Haidar and Sahrawi people in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, liberated territories, Sahrawi refugee camps and elsewhere, highly appreciate and grateful for your brave and noble stand and for those stand and voices from around the world, which the intransigence of the aggressor added to it only more power and extension.

I would like very much to mention all names, places, institutions and all personalities, including Noble and Oscar prize winners and others, from the world of intellect, culture, literature, art, politics, media and various civil society components.

However, I will mention for the history, on behalf of you all, the solidarity platform with Aminatou Haidar, which was the best representative of you, its members were, like you, messengers of solidarity and peace scarified their time and effort and left their families and comfort in favor of great humanitarian job, making their first and last aim is to support Aminatou Haidar and stand with her in her ordeal and suffering in the same place.

The admirable effort you have done and brilliant and unique solidarity campaign that you inaugurated in Lanzarote with Aminatou Haidar, is a historical achievement contributed too much to the resounding victory represented by her return without restrictions or conditions, honoured and dignified, to the city of Laayoune, capital of Western Sahara.

We are completely convinced that the components of the international solidarity movement with the question of Sahrawi people won't stop to accompany it in its noble and just battle. Today, we are confident that peoples of Spain, which refused to accept tripartite agreement and plan of extermination against Sahrawi people, singed by Spanish government in 1975, won't abandon its support until the last manifestation of colonialism in Africa is removed.

Nevertheless, we tell you that the tragedy of Sahrawi people has not finished yet. Such as Aminatou Haidar, there are hundreds of thousands of Sahrawi women, children, men and elderly whom remain under the yoke of injustice and occupation, deprived of natural rights of all peoples of the world.

As you know, Sahrawi people is waiting to enjoy its natural right, guaranteed by international law and charters, to self-determination and independence, its land still occupied by Moroccan Monarchy, plundering its natural resources and practicing heinous violations of human rights.

Moroccan authorities of occupation have confiscated travel documents of some Sahrawi human rights activists, encircled their houses and prevented them from travelling abroad.

In addition to hundreds of missing Sahrawis by Moroccan state since its illegal occupation of Western Sahara on October 31, 1975, there are more than 60 Sahrawi political prisoners in Moroccan jails; their only faults were to defend the right of Sahrawi people to self-determination.

Among those, there are seven human rights activists, imprisoned in Moroccan prisons, including forced disappearance centres for many years, now detained in sale prison near Moroccan capital of Rabat, after being arrested by Moroccan authorities on October 8, confiscated their documents, declared that it will bring them before a military court, for the only reason that they visited their families in Sahrawi refugee camps.

Since their unjust arrest, those seven activists still go through circumstances of detention, serious siege, continuous inspection and deprivation of contacting outside world, despite the fact that they are merely human rights activists, colleagues of Aminatou Haidar, defending human rights in Western Sahara by peaceful and civilized means, recognized by many specialized international organization, which they have been regularly dealing with.

As Aminatou Haidar has always been, those peaceful and innocent Sahrawi activists in great need of your generous solidarity, kind support and that unrecorded stand, which you offered to Aminatou Haidar.

As Aminatou has returned to her homeland and family, the immediate and unconditional release of those seven activists will be another triumph for international law and legality and human and people's rights.

Dagja Lashgar, Alisalem Tamek, Brahim Dahan, Hammadi Nasiri, yahdih Taruzi, Saleh Labeihi and Rashid Sgair, call upon you from their dismal cells to stop this blatant injustice and flagrant violation of human rights.

We are calling you to work together, along with free people of the world, to release them as soon as possible. Your stand with Aminatou Haidar was lofty stand against injustice, tyranny, occupation, violation of human rights, exclusion, contempt and marginalization.

Those seven activists are in great need of such stand, your efforts, solidarity and support. They are waiting, so do not stop, do not retreat and do not give in.

Once again, we covey to you the heart felt thanks and gratefulness of all Sahrawis. You will forever remain in the collective memory of Sahrawi people, symbols of love, solidarity, peace and freedom.

Mohamed Abdelaziz,

President of the SADR,

Secretary General of the POLISARIO front (SPS)

062-081/090/TRA 211610 DEC 09 SPS

President of Republic receives a congratulatory message from his Algerian counterpart on Muslim New Year

2009-12-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Bir Lahlou (Liberated Territories), Dec 20, 2009 (SPS) – The President of the Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, Secretary General of the Polisario Front received a letter of congratulation from his Algerian counterpart President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, on the occasion of the Muslim New Year.

President Bouteflika reasserted to his Sahrawi counterpart, on this occasion, his eagerness to work together to promote brotherly relations and cooperation between the two countries and advancing it in all field. (SPS)

062/090/000 211030 DEC 09 SPS

President of Republic appreciates role of solidarity movement with Saharawi people and invites it to work for release of Group of Seven

2009-12-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

Bir Lahlou (liberated territories), Dec 20, 2009 (SPS) – The president of the Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, has appreciated the role of the solidarity movement, including states and governments, resulted in the return of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar to her homeland and family, commending the spirit of patience and steadfastness shown by the International Solidarity Movement during the 32 days, calling it to engage in a campaign for the release of the Group of Seven.

The president of the Republic pointed out in a letter on the return of Sahrawi activist to Laayoune "Aminatou has returned to honoured and dignified thanks to combined efforts of peoples, governments, parliaments, parties, organizations, associations and personalities supported her" through a boundless persistence of ideals of freedom, justice, peace, law, human rights and international legitimacy, demonstrating the greatest forms of solidarity and support.

The President of the republic recalled "the tragedy of the Sahrawi people is not over, highlighting that as Aminatou Haidar, there are hundreds of thousands of Sahrawi women, children, men and elderly still languish under oppression and occupation, deprived of the natural rights that peoples of the world enjoy.

The President of the republic drew attention to hundreds of missing Sahrawis by Moroccan state since its illegal of Western Sahara on October 31, 1975, besides more than sixty Sahrawi political prisoners in Moroccan prisons, their only faults were to defend the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination, among those were the seven human rights activists, the President says, whom remain in the prison of Sale, in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, after being arrested by Moroccan authorities on October 8, 2009, and confiscated their documents.

The President of the republic drew attention to the seriousness of bringing them before a military trial, just because they visited their families in the Saharawi refugee camps.

The President of the republic indicated that as Aminatou Haidar returned to her land and family, the release of the seven activists immediately and unconditionally, will be another triumph for law, international legitimacy and humans and peoples' rights. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 201600 DEC 09 SPS

Sahrawi Young man brutally attacked in occupied city of Laayoune

2009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (occupied territories), Dec 20, 2009 (SPS) – Sahrawi Young man Malainin Ibrahin Bousufa, 30 years, was subjected to a brutally attack by the Moroccan authorities of occupation when he attempted to attend the receiving reception of Sahrawi activist of human rights Aminatou Haidar in the occupied city of Laayoune, exposed to different forms of beatings and torture, causing him injuries, according to sources of the Ministry of Occupied Territories and Sahrawi Communities Abroad.

After challenging orders of Moroccan police agents, he was arrested and subjected to a terrible attack and ill-treatment, resulting in injuries and fractures at the level of the nose, mouth and face, resulting in a disturbing health condition, without being able to obtain a medical certificate to pursue those responsible for his torture and assault in the public street in front of passers-by. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 201050 DEC 09 SPS

Two young Sahrawi women arrested in occupied city of Laayoune

2009-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Laayoune (occupied territories), Dec 19, 2009 (SPS) – The Moroccan authorities have arrested two young Sahrawi women Izana Amedan, 30 years, and Hayat Rgebi, 20 years, in the occupied city of Layoune, undergoes a tight security encirclement to prevent citizens from access to the house of the family of Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar, returning from forced exile in the Spanish island of Lanzarote, according to sources of the Ministry of Occupied Territories and Sahrawi Communities Abroad.

The source indicated the two young Sahrawi women were arrested after distributing leaflets and chanting slogans, calling for self-determination for the Saharawi people and condemning the police, military and media embargo on the occupied city of Laayoune before and after return of Sahrawi activist of human rights Aminatou Haidar, to Western Sahara, who demands release of all Saharawi political prisoners.

Sahrawi young woman Ngia Hawasi, 20 years, also survived an attempt to be arrested in the occupied city of Layoune by Moroccan police agents in plain clothes. The three young Sahrawi women had been abducted and tortured by Moroccan authorities because of their positions on Western Sahara and their participation in peaceful demonstrations calling for self-determination of Sahrawi people. (SPS)

062/090/TRA 201020 DEC 09 SPS

President of Republic regrets Sarkozy’s statements

2009-12-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

Birlehlu (Sahrawi Liberated territories), Dec 18, 2009 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, has deemed "regrettable" that the French president Nicolas Sarkozy "praises" the Moroccan proposal advocating a broad autonomy for Western Sahara, in a written statement.

"It is regrettable that the French government praises the Moroccan proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara, when it is a proposal that legitimizes colonial fait accompli, and does not respect the law and international legality," Mohamed Abdelaziz said.

The President of the Republic regretted that Mr Sarkozy "has failed to refer to the peace proposal made by the Polisario Front, which" is based on respect for international law and international law enforcement."

"The Moroccan laws can not be applied to Western Sahara, because Morocco has no administrative power or authority, or that of sovereignty under international law, "said Abdelaziz who asked the French President to "reconsider" his remarks.

However, he "welcomed" the intervention of Mr Sarkozy for Ms. Haidar. (SPS)

062/090/000 182100 DEC 09 SPS

Council of Ministers calls on Saharawi people to be ready for all eventualities, to face intransigence and escalation policies of Moroccan regime

2009-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Shahid alhafed, Dec 17, 2009(SPS) the Council of Ministers called onSaharawi people to be „ready for all eventualities, to face intransigence and escalation policies of Moroccan regime‰

In a meeting chaired Thursday by President of the Republic and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Mohamed Abdelaziz, the Cabinet ,discussed the latest developments of National cause in particular, the case of human rights activist Aminatou Haidar.

In this regard the Council remained that „more than 32 days of hunger strike being waged by Aminatou Haidar on the Spanish island of Lanzarote, in protest against the injustice and aggression happened to her , have made her health deteriorate significantly, expressing deep concern after her willing travel for treatment at the hospital‰

It called upon the international community to „quickly take the necessary steps and actions, including pressures, to carry the Moroccan government to stop violates the international law and a flagrant violation of human rights and to allow as soon as possible, without conditions or restrictions, the return of Aminatou Haidar, to her homeland and family in freedom and dignity‰

The cabinet appreciated „the decision of Spanish Deputies council , which calls Spanish government to take steps to ensure the return of Aminatou Haidar to the city of Laayoune,‰ in turn, it demanded immediate application of the content of this resolution, to Aminatou Haidar and to the Moroccan Saharawi conflict , on the basis of the legal and historical responsibility towards the Saharawi people of their right to self-determination and independence, and the completion of the decolonization of Western Sahara „

Minister‚s council paid tribute to „all those who stood by peaceful, just and legitimate battle of Aminatou against injustice and deportation, including the platform of solidarity with Aminatou Haidar, a representative of the solidarity movement in Spain,‰

The Cabinet expressed „concern about the situation of Dekja Lashgar, Alisalem Tamek, Ibrahim Dahan, Hammadi Nassiri , Yahdeh Tarrozy,Saleh Lebaihe,and Sgair Rashid‰ asking for „release of Yahya Mohamed Hafez Iiezp and all the Sahrawi political prisoners, and the disclosure of the fate of more than 500 missing civilians and 151 Saharawi prisoners of war at the Moroccan State‰(SPS)

080/090/000172013Dec09SPS

U.S Congressman Expresses Concern over Aminatou Haidar

2009-12-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

(Washington. D.C) Dec17,2009(SPS) U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, expressed Thursday his „continued concern over the well-being of Saharawi human rights defender, Aminatou Haidar on her 31st day of a hunger strike.‰ Read his press release published Thursday

„I am gravely concerned that Ms. Haidar‚s health is rapidly deteriorating towards the point of no return.‰ He said, asking to let her sacrifice be an urgent call to „King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Moroccan Government, and to the international community highlighting the urgent need for a resolution of the crisis of the Western Sahara through negotiations and, ultimately, self-determination for the Sahrawi people‰

Donald Payne finally urgently calls „upon the Moroccan authorities to take immediate and necessary measures to permit Ms. Haidar‚s safe return to her home and family in Western Sahara.‰(SPS)

080/090/000171803Dec09SPS

AWSA organizes a vigil to support Aminatou Haidar

2009-12-17T09:34:00.005-08:00

ydney, Dec 17, 2009 (SPS) - The Australia Western Sahara Association
organized today Thursday 17 December 2009 a vigil to express support and solidarity with Aminatou Haidar and call for her return to her homeland the Western Sahara.

The vigil was organized in front of the Town Hall (municipality) in the heart of Sydney and was attended by many members of the Association and the Australian public. Amongst those who attended was the former President of the New South Wales Parliament, Dr. Meredith Burgmann, who is currently a member of the Council of the City of Sydney. The Polisario Representative to Australia was also present during the vigil.

Those who attended the vigil raised the pictures of Aminatou Haidar and the flag of the Saharawi republic. There was also a big banner stating „Free Western Sahara‰. Attached flyer was distributed during the vigil. It stated: „The Australia Western Sahara Association supports Aminatou Haidar‚s claim to dignity and calls for the human rights of all Saharawi people to be respected.‰

AWSA issued the following statement:

Saharawi Gandhi asks to go home to Western Sahara

Human rights defender, Aminatou Haidar, now in her fifth week of hunger strike, is desperately hoping Morocco will respect international law and let her return to El Aaiun where she lives with her two teenage sons and mother.

The Moroccan authorities who occupy Western Sahara confiscated Aminatou‚s passport and forced her to travel back to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (Spain). She was on her way home from receving the Civil Courage Award in New York.

Aminatou‚s crime was to state „Western Sahara‰ rather than „Morocco‰ as her country of residence on her landing card. Morocco invaded Western Sahara in1975. Their claim to the territory is not recognised by any other country.

The forced exile of Aminatou Haidar is the latest episode in Morocco‚s crackdown on Saharawi human rights activists. In October, five prominent figures were refused permission to travel although in possession of correct travel documents. Another had her papers confiscated so she could not continue medical treatment in Spain on the eye she lost after being beaten in a police van. Seven other leading human rights defenders are presently in a military prison accused of treason.

Ordinary Saharawis face daily human rights abuses and journalists reporting these abuses are expelled.

Morocco‚s current action is not just threatening the life of a peaceful human rights activist but also the UN ceasefire negotiated in 1991. Since the 1975 invasion, half of the Saharawi population has lived under Moroccan occupation. The other 165,000 live in refugee camps in the harsh Sahara desert, in neighbouring Algeria. A referendum on the future of the territory has been promised by the UN but is yet to be held.

Like East Timor, this is an illegal occupation which the international community must take a stand against. Aminatou and her people deserve our support. (SPS)

062/090/000 171145 DEC 09 SPS

SPS website hacked

2009-12-17T09:34:00.003-08:00

Shahid Al-Hafed (Sahrawi Refugee Camps), Dec 17, 2009 (SPS) - Hackers have managed to enter the site of the SPS on Sunday hindering its update and eventually destroying the site, placing on it photos of Moroccan kings and other subversive messages of Moroccan Government propaganda.

The SPS, which is committed to repairing this damage, informs its readers
that they will receive our news, in four languages, through the lists of subscribers that we will update immediately. (SPS)

062/090/000 171045 DEC 09 SPS

RFK Center for Human Rights assures to continue to press on until save return of Aminatou Haidar

2009-12-17T09:34:00.001-08:00

Washington, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - RFK Center for Human Rights has promised to continue to push until Aminatou has returned safely to Western Sahara, in a statement published Tuesday on the Organization's website.

The Centre affirmed that their staffs has been on the ground in the Canary Islands with Aminatou, and working around the clock to urge leaders in Morocco, Spain, the UN and the United States to help bring her home to her children. We moved U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and numerous members of Congress to take private actions and make public statements on her behalf."

The Centre, addressing the public, stressed that the public's actions are making a difference. Hundreds called on United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay to speak out on Aminatou's behalf, and she responded, issuing a statement on December 8 calling on Morocco to recognize Aminatou's "right to return." Since then UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has taken up Aminatou's cause, reaching out to both Morocco and Spain."

During the 30 days of her hunger strike, she has been living in an airport terminal. She has gotten as far as being put on a plane to head back, but the government of Morocco refused to allow her to return. Though her strike has taken a toll on her physically, she remains resolute, the Centre recalled. (SPS(

062/090/000 161435 DEC 09 SPS

Human Rights Groups to Stage Protest: Call for King Mohamed VI to Allow Aminatou Haidar to Return Home

2009-12-17T09:33:00.003-08:00

Washington, D.C, Dec 17, 2009 (SPS) - Human rights groups including the Human Rights Action Center and the U.S.-Western Sahara Foundation are staging Thursday a protest at the Moroccan Embassy to call for the King of Morocco to allow Aminatou Haidar to return home.

Haidar has been on a hunger strike since November 16, when Moroccan authorities took her passport as she was returning to her homeland of Western Sahara after visiting the United States to receive the Civil Courage Prize given for „steadfast resistance to evil at great personal risk.‰

Haidar is known as the "Sahrawi Gandhi" for her peaceful work calling for self-determination for Western Sahara, the only country in Africa that was not decolonized because Morocco invaded and has controlled the one-time colony of Spain since 1975.

The Moroccan authorities who occupy her homeland, confiscated her passport and forced her to go to Lanzorate Airport, Spain, when she wrote „Western Sahara" as her home rather than „Morocco‰ on her arrival form. She has vowed to maintain her hunger strike until she is allowed to „return to her homeland, where my children live or I die.‰

Haidar won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award last year and the organization has sent representatives to visit her in Lanzorate Airport.
Jack Healey, former Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, and founder of the Human Rights Action Center says: "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees everyone the right to a homeland. Morocco needs to re-assess its policy and allow Aminatou Haidar to return home unconditionally. A restitution package for personal harm inflicted upon her by this mistaken policy is essential to healing wounds and showing remorse."

Chairman of the US-Western Sahara Foundation, Suzanne Scholte, who nominated Haidar for the two awards, said, "Aminatou Haidar is the symbol of the Sahrawi cause, which stands for self-determination, the rule of law, and nonviolence. The continued cruel treatment by the Moroccan authorities of Haidar and other Sahrawis simply illustrates vividly why African countries recognize the Sahrawi Republic over Morocco's occupation."

Immediately following the demonstration at the Moroccan Embassy, participants will go to the Spanish Embassy to make an appeal to the Spanish Prime Minister because the Spanish government was complicit with Morocco in forcing her to go to the Canary Islands.

The violence against the Sahrawis in occupied Western Sahara has been documented and reported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, the World Organization Against Torture, Reporters without Borders, and the U.S. State Department.

In fact, Morocco‚s brutal occupation of Western Sahara has repeatedly led Freedom House to list Moroccan Occupied Western Sahara as one of the world‚s worst regimes. Even the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has acknowledged Morocco‚s human rights violations against the Sahrawi people, concluding that it is a direct result of Morocco's denial of the basic right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. (SPS)

062/090/000 171010 DEC 09 SPS

A tragedy for Western Sahara (guardian.co.uk)

2009-12-17T09:33:00.001-08:00

London, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - As the world's diplomats duel over her destiny, Aminatou Haidar, on the 29th day of her hunger strike, could be hours from death, Brian Eno and Stefan Simanowitz wrote on guardian.co.uk on Monday 14 December 2009.

Following is the full text of the article:

"Anyone who has seen Hunger, Steve McQueen's harrowing film about the Maze prison hunger strike, will have some idea of just how horrific it is to die by starvation. Bobby Sands, a fit 27-year-old man, survived 66 days without food. Aminatou Haidar, a delicate 42-year-old, is on the 29th day of her hunger strike; with a perforated ulcer and a constitution weakened by years of imprisonment and torture, there are fears that she will not survive much longer.

She is now too weak to stand, and the director of Lanzarote hospital, Domingo de Guzmán, has warned that Haidar's life expectancy is now "hours or days rather than weeks". Listing her symptoms as hypotension, nausea, anaemia, muscular-skeletal atrophy and gastric haemorrhaging, Dr Guzman believes she is nearing an irreversible deterioration that could result in her death even if she were to abandon the hunger strike. But abandoning her strike is not something Haidar, a human rights activist nominated for the Nobel peace prize, will countenance unless her single demand ˆ to be allowed to return to her country ˆ is met.

Haidar has been on hunger strike in Lanzarote airport since being deported there from her home in Western Sahara on 15 November. Two days earlier she had flown back to Laayoune, the largest city in Western Sahara, from New York, where she had picked up the Train Foundation's Civil Courage human rights award. On her arrival in Laayoune she wrote her address on her landing card as being in "Western Sahara" rather than "Morocco". As a Saharawi, she has never recognised Moroccan sovereignty over her native land which has been occupied by Morocco in breach of international law for over 34 years. In the past Morocco has chosen to overlook her numerous "landing card protests", but on this occasion she was interrogated, stripped of her passport and expelled to the volcanic Canary Island which lies less than 80 miles off the African coast.

Spain offered to give Haidar refugee status or Spanish citizenship so she could be allowed to return home, but she rejected both options on the grounds that she did not want to become "a foreigner in her own land". According to Human Rights Watch, her forced expulsion breached Article 12 (4) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by Morocco, which makes it clear that no one can be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter their own country. In addition, by preventing her return to Western Sahara, Spanish authorities may have breached both Spanish national law and Article 2 of Protocol 4 of the European convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 12 (2) of the ICCPR also stipulates that everyone shall be free to leave any country.

On 4 December, perhaps after having been made aware of the legal situation, Spain laid on a private aircraft to carry Haidar back to Laayoune. As she boarded the plane with Agustin Santos, of the Spanish foreign ministry, it seemed as if Haidar had won a significant victory. However, celebrations among Saharawis and campaigners around the world were short-lived when it emerged that the Spanish had not received any agreement from Morocco to allow her return. In a hastily organised press conference held soon after tearful supporters had watched Haidar being stretchered back into the airport terminal, Santos claimed that Spain had attempted "to facilitate the exercise of her right to return to her country" and could do no more.

This statement was greeted with incredulity by the Spanish media, and the Zapatero government has come under increasing internal and international pressure to do more to resolve the crisis. Indeed, today Hillary Clinton was due to discuss the issue with Spain's foreign minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos. Last week the UN secretary general, Ban-Ki moon, urged the Moroccan foreign minister to re-admit Haidar. The European Union has also urged Morocco to "meet its human rights obligations".
Morocco has taken a firm line on the matter, with the foreign minister,
Taieb Fassi-Fihri, insisting that Haidar had "disowned her identity and her nationality" and "must accept, on her own, the legal and moral consequences which result from this behaviour". Morocco has also demanded that she offer an apology for questioning Morocco's claim to sovereignty over what is a former Spanish colony ˆ a claim that has not been recognised by a single nation and was rejected by the international court of justice.

Haidar's deportation has been condemned by governments, civil society groups and human rights organisations across the world. Her action has raised awareness of the forgotten injustice perpetrated against her people, but the cost may be high. Imelda Gonzalez, one of many campaigners who travelled to Lanzarote to offer their support, is aware that Haidar is irreplaceable. "Western Sahara has had so many martyrs, they do not need another. Her death would be a tragic loss to the world and its leaders must act together and act quickly to save Aminatou." As high-level discussions take place around the world, Haidar is on the brink of death. Biology knows nothing of politics." (SPS)

062/090/000 161400 DEC 09 SPS

U.S. Senator calls for swift action in Aminatou Haidar hunger strike

2009-12-17T09:32:00.004-08:00

Washington, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) ˆ U.S. Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made Tuesday the following statement about Ms. Aminatou Haidar´s month-long hunger strike in the Canary Islands airport in protest over her refusal to accept Moroccan identity upon her arrival at the airport in Laayone on November 13.

"The situation currently facing Ms. Aminatou Haidar is deeply disturbing," Inhofe said. "Her hunger strike has brought worldwide attention to the plight of the Saharawi people of Western Sahara who have languished for over 30 years. I strongly support the independence movement of the Saharawi people of Western Sahara, which demands the fulfillment of a 1991 United Nations resolution calling for a referendum on self-determination in the Western Sahara. The Saharans are not refugees because they enjoy it; they are refugees because their homeland has been taken from them and they believe that, with help, they will return to their homeland; but only if they are granted the right to self-determination.

Inhofe continued, "Given Ms. Haidar´s deteriorating condition, I believe all parties should reconsider their positions and reach a swift resolution that neither further endangers the health of Ms. Haidar nor interferes with the proper execution of Morocco´s sovereign power to administer its present borders. It is my hope that President Obama and Secretary Clinton would use their influence to assist in this situation so that Ms. Haidar can return to her children and family in Western Sahara." (SPS(

062/090/000 161445 DEC 09 SPS

Western Sahara: Spanish Foreign Minister Angel Moratinos on dealing with Morocco and imprisoned Sahrawi Human Rights Activist

2009-12-17T09:32:00.002-08:00

Washington, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - Following is the exchange about Western Sahara and human rights activist Aminatou Haidar between a reporter and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos during a press conference after the Spanish minister's meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department.

Mr. Minister, if we understood correctly, you discussed the issue of Sahara. Right now, there is a problem with a Western Sahara citizen that you were aware of. What type of cooperation did you ask from the United States over that issue? Also, last week, it was said that there is no intervention necessary right now from the king. At what point would the king's intervention be necessary?

FOREIGN MINISTER MORATINOS: (Via interpreter) First of all, thank you for the question. I was expecting it. So yes, the Secretary of State and I did speak about the issue. We did speak about Mrs. Haidar's situation concretely, as well as the problem overall in Western Sahara. And obviously, as two allies and two partners with interests in the regions, we must collaborate, we must cooperate, and we need to find a solution to the Haidar case, not through pressure of any kind that we're applying, but by suggesting to her that her cause, which is a legitimate cause, does not
require her to go on a hunger strike.

We are all looking for a solution to the situation that has arisen from her expulsion from Laayoune, and we will continue to work in that direction and we will continue to work, moreover, to find a definitive solution to the situation in Western Sahara, where what we need is a new dynamic, a new engagement, not just there, but in North Africa as a whole. As you know, North Africa ˆ events in North Africa have bearing throughout the international community. We have seen the example of the Sahel. We have seen al-Qaida operating in Maghreb.

So the U.S. and Spain ˆ it's in their interest to work toward the betterment of the integration of that region. We would like to see a better relationship, a better understanding, between Algeria and Morocco. And we will continue, as I said, to work with the ˆ also work toward an understanding with the Polisario Front so that the people of Western Sahara can have self-determination.

But as far as Ms. Haidar, we think that we need to find a solution. She should abandon the hunger strike, but she should continue to strongly and firmly defend her cause so that we can better and improve the situation in Western Sahara.

However, as far as your second question regarding the king, I would like to say that I feel that this is primarily the government's responsibility. The king may or may not intervene, but I feel that it is, first of all, the government's responsibility to act. (SPS(

062/090/000 161245 DEC 09 SPS

UN's Ban to press for more Sahara talks (Reuters(

2009-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

New York, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday he would ask the U.N. mediator on Western Sahara to try to hasten a new round of talks as part of a bid to save the life of a Sahara hunger striker in Spain, Reuters reported Tuesday.

Aminatou Haidar, a Sahara independence activist, has been fasting at Lanzarote airport in Spain's Canary Islands for nearly a month, since Moroccan authorities put her back on a plane when she returned home after a trip to New York.

Ban plunged into the dispute last week, holding telephone talks with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos on Thursday and meeting Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri in New York on Friday.

Haidar is seeking to return to Western Sahara, but Morocco refuses to let her back. The hunger strike by Haidar, 43, has strained relations between Spain and Morocco.

At a regular news conference, Ban linked the two issues, saying that tackling the Haidar crisis "really requires that the United Nations needs to do more on this political negotiation."

He said he would discuss with his Sahara envoy, former U.S. diplomat Christopher Ross, how "to expedite this political process."

The last Morocco-Polisario meeting took place in August in Duernstein, Austria. Although there was no breakthrough, both sides said they hoped to meet again this year.

Ban said it was important that the next round of negotiations started as soon as possible.

The U.N. chief said he had told Fihri of his "very serious concern" about Haidar's health.

But Polisario's U.N. representative, Ahmed Boukhari, said he believed Morocco hoped Haidar would die, a development that he said could deal a "fatal blow" to the negotiations.

"We cannot negotiate over the dead body of this lady," Boukhari told Reuters
.
A Spanish doctor has said Haidar's health is close to an irreversible deterioration that could kill her even if she abandons the hunger strike. (SPS(

062/090/000 161220 DEC 09 SPS

Western Sahara: UN Chief Calls for 'Political Negotiations' on territory

2009-12-17T09:31:00.003-08:00

New York, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - At a news conference in New York on Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the issues raised by the hunger strike of Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar. The relevant excerpts follow:

On Aminatou Haider, did you propose to Morocco any specific steps to find a solution? And also, would you join the High Commissioner for Human Rights' call to respect her right for her to return to her country?

As you know, I had talked with the Foreign Minister of Spain, as well as the Foreign Minister of Morocco the other day on this issue. I believe that this really requires that the United Nations needs to do more on political negotiations.

I am going to discuss with my Personal Envoy, Mr. Christopher Ross, to expedite this political process. I raised this humanitarian situation of Ms. Aminatou Haider, and I have asked them to take special consideration on that issue.

I hope the Foreign Minister of Morocco will discuss this matter within their countries to play a positive and favourable consideration on this issue. At the same time, I will also continue to promote these political negotiations on the Western Sahara issue.

Should Aminatou Haidar go back to Western Sahara? Is this what you asked the Moroccan Foreign Minister for?

My concern is for her health. She has been staging this hunger strike for, by this time, 25 or 26 days, and I am told that her health situation is deteriorating. I expressed my very serious concern about her health. On humanitarian grounds, they should take all possible measures. In that regard, I have offered my willingness to take all necessary measures agreeable to the Moroccan side...

Mr. Secretary-General, it is a question about Madame Haider again. You said you hoped the Moroccan Government takes full consideration. What does it mean? Can you specify more about that? Do you want for Madame Haider to come back to Morocco, to Western Sahara?

I am not going to discuss all that I discussed with [Foreign] Minister [Taieb El Fassi] Fihri of Morocco.

First of all we need to find a way where Ms. Aminatou Haider could stop her hunger strike, and how to accommodate the situation. This has many complex considerations. That is why, while I tried to address this issue, on this particular hunger strike issue, at the same time we need to see the broader political issues.

Because of these stalled negotiations on the Western Sahara issue, we need to promote further expedited progress in the negotiations. The fifth round of negotiations should start as soon as possible. But we need to create some political confidence among the parties concerned. Mr. Christopher Ross has been traveling and working very hard. The recent consultation which was held in Vienna last August was quite an encouraging one. So we will try to build on that.

On Western Sahara, Mr. Secretary-General, you know there are many people in the camps in Tindouf, and no one knows how many are there and who are there. According to Mr. [António] Guterres when he was in the region lately, Algeria and the Polisario refused that their people be [in a] census. Is there anything, Mr. Secretary-General, you can do to see a census taken in this area? Thank you.

Again, while I am deeply concerned about the situation of refugees in that area, this issue should be addressed in a broader context through negotiations. That is the best way at this time. But I am also working hard to address this particular hunger strike issue, so that we can address all these issues - health conditions, and humanitarian conditions, all these issues. (SPS)

062/090/000 161300 DEC 09 SPS

Western Sahara: Hunger striker intensifies pressure for talks (AllAfrica.com)

2009-12-17T09:31:00.001-08:00

Washington, Dec 16, 2009 (SPS) - The month-long hunger strike of Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar has succeeded in bringing pressure to bear on the international community to step up efforts to find a solution to the territory's future, AllAfrica.com reported Tuesday.

This became clear on Monday when United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York that the situation arising from the hunger strike "really requires that the United Nations needs to do more on political negotiations" over the territory's future.

The Saharwi people have been struggling for their liberation from Moroccan rule since 1975, when Morocco seized Western Sahara after its colonial ruler, Spain, withdrew.

Ban said he planned to ask his personal envoy on Western Sahara, the American diplomat Christopher Ross, to expedite talks. He added that apart from making a humanitarian appeal on Haidar's behalf to Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri, "at the same time, I will also continue to
promote... political negotiations on the Western Sahara issue."

Haidar began a hunger strike on November 16 after the Moroccan authorities deported her from Western Sahara to Lanzarote Airport in the Spanish-controlled Canary Islands two days earlier. She had tried to return to Western Sahara after receiving an award in the United States.

Ban declined to disclose what he had told the Moroccan foreign minister, but said he had been told Haidar's health was deteriorating. (Also on Monday, The Guardian newspaper of London quoted the director of Lanzarote hospital, Domingo de Guzmán, as saying that Haidar could die in "hours or days rather than weeks".)

Ban said that "on humanitarian grounds, they should take all possible measures... First of all we need to find a way where Ms. Aminatou Haider could stop her hunger strike, and how to accommodate the situation. This has many complex considerations.

"That is why, while I tried to address this issue, on this particular hunger strike issue, at the same time we need to see the broader political issues," he said. "Because of these stalled negotiations on the Western Sahara issue, we need to promote further expedited progress in the negotiations."