In move seen as attempt to discredit refugee camp-based Sahrawi leaders and Algeria, Morocco urged UN probe into Algerian camp conditions; followed violent camp protests after May visit of UN human rights delegation.

UN High Commission for Human Rights delegation made first exploratory visit to region. Think tank suggested UN Security Council may refuse to extend mandate of peacekeeping MINURSO in October.

UNSG Annan, in 19 April report, ruled out devising new UN plan given that Morocco’s insistence referendum exclude independence option contrary to UN self- determination principles; however, Annan said direct talks could produce “compromise between international legality and political reality”. Polisario Front rejected idea of direct talks without change in Morocco’s position; threatened return to armed conflict if Annan recommendation adopted by UN Security Council. UNSC extended MINURSO peacekeeping mandate to October 2006.

Moroccan King Mohammed VI visited Western Sahara 20-25 March, holding talks with Consultative Council for Saharan Affairs on plans for greater autonomy. Visit seen as reaction to February commemoration of thirtieth anniversary of self-declared Sahrawi Republic by Polisario Front.

Polisario Front rejected Moroccan proposal to UN that territory become autonomous part of Morocco, insisting only self-determination referendum could bring lasting solution. Floods in Algeria devastated Western Saharan refugee camps, leaving 50,000 homeless.

New UN Envoy Peter van Walsum told Security Council all-inclusive talks only way out of impasse.

Series of pro-independence protests throughout December led to numerous arrests. 14 Western Sahara human rights activists and Polisario Front sympathisers jailed for role in May riots.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI announced support for Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty on anniversary of 1975 Moroccan seizure of region, but continued to reject possibility of referendum on independence. Western Saharan Polisario Front dismissed proposal. Pro-independence riots throughout month in multiple townships sparked strong police response. Moroccan parliamentary delegation to Algeria sought to renew diplomacy over Western Sahara during 22 November visit.

UN Special Envoy Peter van Walsum met separatist Polisario Front leaders and Moroccan king in first visit to region; concluded nearly impossible to find globally acceptable solution. Security Council extended UN mission for 6-months. 1 killed as anti-Moroccan protesters clashed with police in Laayoun. 32 Western Saharan prisoners resumed hunger strike, protesting treatment by Moroccan authorities.

UN expressed concern over 35 Western Saharan prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan custody; Polisario Front asked for UN intervention.