U.N. Envoy Christopher Ross to visit region 20 March - 3 April

Christopher Ross, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy will travel to North Africa from 20 March to 3 April the UN spokesman said in a press briefing published on the UN website

 The current conflict in Mali and the heightened risks of instability and insecurity in the Sahel and beyond make a solution to the Sahara conflict more urgent than ever,he said


 Within the framework of his mandate and successive resolutions of the Security Council, the purpose of Mr. Ross’s trip is to prepare for the next phase in the negotiating process and a possible resumption of direct talks to achieve “a mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of the  Sahara.”


 To this end, Mr. Ross will hold discussions with the parties to the Sahara negotiations, Morocco and the Frente Polisario, and visit the Sahara region.  He will also hold consultations with the neighbouring states, Algeria and Mauritania.