UNHCR, WFP mission 18 March began assessment of malnutrition in Sahrawi refugee camps. European Parliament delegation expressed concern for human rights in camps, Moroccan-controlled areas, called for MINURSO mandate to include HR monitoring.

New UN envoy Christopher Ross met with Moroccan, Algerian and Polisario Front leaders during 18- 25 Feb tour of region; affirmed commitment to Sahrawi right of self-determination, called for mutually acceptable political solution to conflict.

New UN envoy Christopher Ross formally appointed 7 Jan. Polisario Front 14 Jan asked Dutch oil company to cease exploration in territorial waters; 22 Jan called on EU to prevent fishing off coast of disputed territory, suspend 2005 EU-Morocco fisheries agreement.

Christopher Ross 5 Dec confirmed as new UN special envoy, as Morocco and Algeria reasserted positions on WS status: Rabat 4 Dec said ready to resume stalled talks but only from principle of autonomy, while Algeria issued longstanding call for referendum on independence. Human Rights Watch 19 Dec report alleged pro-independence Sahawis subject to extensive repression and abuse by Moroccan authorities, drawing angry response from Rabat. Report also called on Algeria to take responsibility for protecting rights of Algerian-based Sahrawi IDPs.

Moroccan King Muhammad VI 6 Nov launched scathing verbal attack against Algerian support for region’s independence, accusing Algiers of seeking to balkanize Maghreb and demanding it re-open common border.

In 21 Oct resolution, UN called for intensification of status talks towards solution guaranteeing “self-determination” of region’s people. Both parties welcomed statement: Morocco as endorsement of autonomy plan, Polisario Front of independence.

Former U.S. diplomat Christopher Ross expected to replace Peter van Walsum as UN Special Envoy after latter forced out in Aug over Polisario Front (PF) complaints of favouritism toward Morocco. No movement in deadlock over disputed territory.

Polisario Front (PF) leader Mohamed Abdel Aziz mid-Aug requested UNSG Ban Ki-moon replace UN Special Envoy Peter van Walsum after his repeated statements that independence is unrealistic. PF still intend to participate in UN-backed Manhasset negotiations with Morocco if envoy removed.

Polisario Front (PF) said 28 July ready for fifth round UN-led talks but not until UN special envoy Peter van Walsum replaced, given recent statement independence unrealistic. PF 23 July alleged Saharawis attacked in Einterfet with complicity of Moroccan police, urged UN action.

Polisario Front leader Muhammed Abdelaziz said in June interview “there can be no military solution to this conflict”. No major developments since UN- mediated talks ended March.