The Thursday resolution called for the parties to resume negotiations "in good parties to resume negotiations "in good faith with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution" for Western Sahara.

Thirteen countries in the 15-member council voted in favour of the resolution, with Kenya and Russia abstaining.

Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is disputed by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front and Morocco.

Morocco controls around 80% of Western Sahara and the rest is held by the Polisario movement - which fought with Morocco for years after Spanish forces withdrew in 1975.

The 16-year-long insurgency ended with a UN-brokered truce in 1991 and the promise of a referendum on independence which has yet to take place.