ALGIERS, July 2, 2008 (AFP) - A group fighting for full independence in Western Sahara, the Polisario Front, has been granted observer status by Socialist International (SI), the SPS news agency said on its website.

The move, approved by a large majority on Monday at the organisation's congress which is being held in the Greek seaside town of Lagonissi, was confirmed on Wednesday by Vassislis Papadimitriou, adviser to SI president Georges Papandreou.

The disputed Western Sahara region is largely controlled by Morocco, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front is committed to securing independence.

SI is the worldwide organisation of social democratic, socialist and labour parties bringing together 159 political parties and organisations from all continents.