Moroccan king discusses Western Sahara with Russian President

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in which they discussed the Western Sahara issue, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported.

“King Mohammed VI and the Russian President expressed strong concern over the latest developments of the Sahara issue at the level of the United Nations Secretariat,” a statement issued by the Royal office said.

According to the statement the Moroccan king’s visit to Russia last month “opened a new era in relations between the two countries and laid the foundation for an enhanced strategic partnership”.

King Mohammed VI visited Russia last month and signed a number of agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General’s official spokesman, Estefan Dogrec said last Friday that the United Nations Mission Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, will not be able to continue its tasks after Morocco suspended its financial contribution to the mission and excluded some of its members.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon visited the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria in March and stressed that he will spare no effort to help achieve progress towards a solution to the Sahara issue. During the visit Ki-moon described Morocco’s presence in the Sahara as an “occupation”, stirring Rabat’s anger.