Growing international concern over Sahrawi claims of repression by Moroccan authorities inside Western Sahara. Delegation of Spanish MPs turned back at Laayoune. Spanish Foreign Minister Moratinos said status quo “unacceptable”, offered mediation and urged rapid appointment of UN envoy to replace Alvaro de Soto.

Exiled Sahrawi government claimed protests in Rabat and Western Sahara turning into “intifada”; Moroccan officials said 33 would be charged with criminal conspiracy. Planned Arab Maghreb Union meeting in Tripoli cancelled following diplomatic dispute between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara; no progress towards diplomatic resolution of issue.

Notwithstanding improvement in regional political climate, UN report bemoaned lack of progress; Security Council renewed MINURSO mandate for further 6 months 28 April. European Parliament warned emergency aid required for 158,000 refugees from Western Sahara living in camps near Tindouf, Algeria.

Algerian President Bouteflika and Moroccan King Mohammed met on sidelines of Algiers Arab League summit, leading to hopes for movement on Western Sahara question (though issue not directly discussed). 20,000 demonstrators demanded release of 408 Moroccan soldiers held by Polisario.

Amnesty International reported improvement in human rights situation in Moroccan- occupied Western Sahara. No movement towards peace.

Exiled Saharawi officials claimed hundreds took part in demonstrations against Moroccan rule Dakhla, Western Sahara’s second largest city. Similar recent action in El Aaiun, S’mara and Assa referred to as “Intifada”; appeared limited in scope and timed to coincide with World Human Rights Day and UN debate.

Morocco denied reports it asked Zimbabwean president Mugabe to help mediate on Western Sahara status. Spanish PM Zapatero met with Polisario leader Mohamed Abdelaziz in Madrid 26 November, signalling firming of Spanish position on Western Sahara question.

Leader of Polisario front insurgent group Mohamed Abdelaziz warned insurgents’ 13-year ceasefire could not continue indefinitely in face of Moroccan intransigence. War of words as Morocco and Algeria blamed other for situation; Algeria accused Morocco of “pressure” to obtain 89 abstentions in UN General Assembly decolonisation committee vote on Baker Peace Plan 18 October; 52 voted in favour. UN Secretary-General report on Western Sahara suggested situation “stalemate” 22 October, but recommended renewing UN mission mandate for 6 months from 31 October 2004.

Major diplomatic boost to Polisario Front as South Africa recognised Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara) 15 September, prompting Morocco to withdraw ambassador from Pretoria. In UN General Assembly speech 21 September King Mohammed VI expressed desire to find negotiated solution providing for regional self-government while guaranteeing Moroccan sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Algerian President Bouteflika restated Algerian support for Western Sahara Baker plan 11 August. Plan rejected by Morocco, accepted by Polisario independence movement.