Following a draft framework agreement in 2001, the 2003 plan combines a period of autonomy with a final-status referendum. Polisario accepts it, while Rabat rejects a transition that could challenge its sovereignty.
Report S/2004/325 records the parties’ positions at the time of the impasse. Transitional autonomy before a final choice and lasting autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty are different architectures. Baker’s resignation in 2004 ends this mediation phase without resolving the conflict.