Observations The Security Council was concerned at the lack of progress towards a political solution to the dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which remained a potential source of instability to the
Maghreb region. It reaffirmed its commitment to assist the parties in achieving a durable solution which will provide for the
self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The parties were commended for their respect of the
ceasefire and MINURSO's efforts were also praised.
Acts Acting under
Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, the Council supported the Baker Plan as the "optimum political solution" to the dispute and called upon both parties to work towards the acceptance and implementation of the plan. Furthermore, the parties and states in the region were asked to co-operate with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. The resolution called upon the Polisario Front to release all remaining
prisoners of war under
international humanitarian law and for both parties to co-operate with the
International Committee of the Red Cross to resolve the issue of persons unaccounted for since the start of the conflict. The parties were urged to implement confidence-building measures with the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and for the
international community to support the UNHCR and
World Food Programme in overcoming the deteriorating food situation among
refugees. Finally, the Secretary-General was asked to provide an assessment of the situation before 31 October 2003. ==See also==