Algeria welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 1429 by the UN Security Council on Tuesday July 30 2002, which reaffirms the right for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and the validity of the UN settlement plan.

The Security Council's resolution which extended the mandate of the United Nations mission for the referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso) until January 31, 2003 and mandated the personal envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. James Baker to pursue his mission to promote a solution "Ensuring self-determination" of the people of Western Sahara, perfectly expresses the commitment of the international community to promote a just and final solution of this conflict on the basis of international legality and the un doctrine for decolonization.

Algeria, while welcoming with satisfaction the commitment of the Security Council to achieve the process of decolonization of Western Sahara in accordance with the United Nations resolutions, reiterates its readiness to fully cooperate with the Secretary General of the United Nations and his personal envoy for the implementation of this resolution that will enable the people of Western Sahara to freely exercise his right for self-determination.

The settlement of this conflict will certainly contribute to ensure stability in the region, which will enable the people to build an area of cooperation and concord.