The Spanish government believes it is necessary to reach, through negotiations under the United Nations auspices, a just, final and lasting solution for the Sahara issue, Moratinos said following a meeting with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner.

    In this regard, the Spanish official said that Spain and France share the same vision regarding the Sahara conflict, adding that the resolution of this conflict will enable the settlement of the Sahel issue.

    Resolving the dispute over the Sahara conflict will guarantee the stability of the Sahel region and put an end to the various threats facing this region, Moratinos underlined.

    During the meeting, both Ministers noted the similarity of their viewpoints on many subjects notably the Sahara issue, he said.

    Regarding the Moroccan-Spanish relations, Moratinos underscored that all outstanding issues were "favourably resolved".