The United Nation's secratary general, Kofi Annan, is due in Mauritania today at the start of his North African tour, to try and resolve the long running dispute over the future of Western Sahara.

Mr Annan will cross into the disputed Sahara territory and later to Marrakesh Monday, to hold talks with King Hassan of Morocco.

The King has said he will be firm in his discussion with Mr Annan when they meet.

Morocco wants all three tribes in Western Sahara to be registered for the referendum for self-determination but the Polisario Front who want independence want the vote limited to the original inhabitants.