W. Sahara sparks possible Polisario split

ALGIERS, Algeria, June 6 (UPI) -- The Algerian-supported Polisario is facing division because of Morocco's proposal for the independence of Western Sahara, officials say.

Numerous leading Polisario members have separated from the movement and proclaimed advocacy for a new plan for Western Sahara, Med Basin Newsline reported. Polisario is a rebel group working for Western Sahara's independence.

The one-time members requested that Polisario and Algeria support a U.N. Security Council objective aimed at convincing Polisario and Morocco to "begin negotiations in a spirit of realism and compromise."

"This is the only realistic way to resolve the artificial conflict," a former Polisario member said.

Several ex-Polisario Front members including Sidati Ghallaoui, Abadila Semlali and Essaad El Moussaoui backed the statement.

They agreed Morocco's independence plan is the "only viable solution" to end the debate about Western Sahara, the report said.