| | In August 1988, a proposal for a cease-fire and subsequent referendum on the future of the Western Sahara, made formally by the UN Secretary General to the Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and to senior representatives of the Polisario Front, was accepted 'in principle' by both sides. Polisario argued then, and has continued to argue that the existence in the Western Sahara of Moroccan colonial settlements, the operation in its occupied territories of Moroccan laws and the presence of Moroccan armed forces would make it impossible to establish the pre-conditions for a 'free and fair' referendum, unless effectively controlled by outside agencies. |
