After confrontation comes negotiation. On key points of disagreement raised during the meetings in Madrid, compromises are beginning to take shape in the U.S.-hosted discussions on the Western Sahara issue.
In Madrid, Western Sahara negotiations have highlighted the differences between the Polisario Front and the United States, with the latter rejecting the Sahrawi and Algerian proposals, particularly concerning the organization of a referendum and a trade agreement. Despite showing some openness to the idea of autonomy, the Polisario insists that any progress must be contingent upon international guarantees and a general amnesty.