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

The Council supported the efforts of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his Personal Envoy James Baker III to find a settlement to the long-standing dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front.^[2] Furthermore, the parties and states in the region were asked to co-operate with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.

The resolution welcomed the release of 101 prisoners of war and called upon the Polisario Front to release remaining prisoners under international humanitarian law. Both parties were asked 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.^[3] The parties were also 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.^[4]

Finally, the Secretary-General was asked to provide an assessment of the situation and reconfiguration of MINURSO before 31 January 2003.