The Security Council was concerned that suspicion and a lack of trust among the parties had contributed to the delay in implementing the United Nations plan for Western Sahara. For progress to be achieved, both parties would have to have a vision of the post-referendum period. The Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali had set targets on assessing the Settlement Plan, including the release of political prisoners, confinement of Polisario troops and the reduction of Moroccan troops in the territory.