"As was the case in the previous informal talks, the discussions took place in an atmosphere of serious engagement, frankness, and mutual respect,” Ross underscored.

He pointed that the parties reviewed the latest Security Council Resolution (1979) concerning the Sahara and in particular the new elements included in this resolution, adding that “they underlined the central role of the negotiating process and discussed the new ideas put forward by the Secretary-General,” in his latest report in April that was endorsed by the Security Council.

In order to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the parties continued to deepen their discussions, he said.

“By the end of the meeting, each party continued to reject the proposal of the other as a sole basis for future negotiations,” Ross noted.

The UN SG Personal Envoy added that, as stipulated in Malta, “the parties have also started a discussion on the ways to tackle the agreed topics for discussion, namely natural resources and demining.”

On the Confidence Building Measures, Ross said that the parties and the neighboring states reiterated their support for the proper implementation of the Plan of Action of 2004 and the family visits.

Held at the invitation of the UN SG Personal Envoy, The seventh round was opened on Monday with the participation of representatives of Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the polisario.

The Moroccan delegation to the meeting was composed of Foreign Minister Taïb Fassi Fihri, Director General of intelligence agency (DGED) Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, and Secretary General of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS) Maouelainin Benkhalihanna Maouelainin.