Moroccan-EU concerns over El Ejido racist Events
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/10/2000

The visiting president of the European Parliament, Nicole Fontaine, termed attacks against Moroccan nationals in Almeria (southern Spain) as "tragical" but should not be seen as "a resurgence of racism and xenophobia."

In a press conference on Tuesday, she deplored the events and called for patience and calm, saying the events should be watched closely not become commonplace.

The Moroccan government and media had strongly denounced terrorist acts Moroccans in El Ejido, a farming area near Almeria, were subjected to Monday night by armed gangs who set fire to their houses in retaliation for the murder of a Spanish woman by a mentally-disturbed Moroccan.

The government spokesman, Khalid Alioua, said Morocco has conveyed to Madrid concerns over "insufficient protection of Moroccan nationals living in Spain" at a meeting in Rabat between secretary of state in charge of the Maghreb, the Arab and the Islamic world affairs, Abdeslam Znined, and Spanish ambassador to Morocco.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco denounces exploitation of isolated murder in Spain   (2/8/2000)
  UNESCO chief concerned by racist attacks in Spain   (7/30/1999)
  Spanish political parties, NGOs hold anti-racist rally after events against Moroccans   (7/23/1999)

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