France appreciates the work done by former UNSG personal envoy for Western Sahara Horst Köhler and wishes that the process he has initiated in the issue could continue to find a final and negotiated solution to the conflict. The position of France was voiced on Saturday in Rabat by French foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian following a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. In a joint press briefing, the French diplomat described as a good thing the fact that the UNSG personal envoy started a negotiated process over the Sahara issue. Le Drian reaffirmed the stance of his country concerning the Moroccan autonomy plan, which he sees as a serious and credible basis for a negotiated solution. The UN had announced in May the resignation of Horst Kohler from his position as UNSG personal envoy for the Sahara for health reasons.
