LAUNCH OF OIL AND GAS LICENCING INITIATIVE

The Government of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), formally announces the commencement of a licensing initiative to enable international oil and gas companies to participate in the exploration of its offshore territory.

The SADR is a member of the African Union and is the sovereign authority for the territory referred to as Western Sahara. The Polisario Front is internationally recognised as the representative of the Saharawi people.

The licensing initiative has been launched in preparation for the full recovery of all of our territory, as the UN mediation process progresses towards a lasting solution to the conflict between the SADR and Morocco.

The licensing initiative is open to all competent and qualified companies and has been arranged in accordance with the UN legal opinion regarding commercial activities in Western Sahara.

17 May 2005

Licencing Media Package