Brussels, 06/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 5 March, the Greek Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union, candidate and EFTA countries: "The EU welcomes the release on 26 February of 100 Moroccan prisoners of war by the Polisario Front. The humanitarian aspects that stem from the problem of Western Sahara have been a source of constant concern for the EU, which has carried out repeated demarches in this respect to the parties involved, underlining the need to improve the humanitarian situation of the persons and populations affected by this continuing crisis. The release of these 100 Moroccan prisoners can contribute to the encouragement of dialogue and promotion of trust between the parties involved in this issue. However, since 1160 Moroccan prisoners are still detained, the EU expects from Polisario the immediate release of all remaining prisoners of war, some of whom have been detained since the beginning of the conflict, in accordance with the international law, as well as the Security Council's resolution 1359 (2001), which also provides for the solution of the problem of the fate of people unaccounted for. The humanitarian aspects of the conflict should be distinguished from the political issue. The EU reiterates its full support to the UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy Mr. James Baker for their efforts towards contributing to a durable solution agreed upon by the parties concerned. The EU encourages all contacts which could contribute towards restoring a climate of confidence among the parties, with a view to reaching a durable solution, while fully respecting international legality."