European parliament for north-south mediterranean balance
Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/22/2000

The European Parliament is for more dialogue and consultation on means to secure balance at the economic and social levels between the two banks of the Mediterranean.

The statement was made in Rabat Tuesday at a news briefing by head of a delegation from the European Parliament ending a three-day visit to Morocco March.

Head of the delegation Raimon Obiols Y Germa said the European parliament means to strike a balance between the two banks and secure the necessary conditions for stability. He said the European Union is keen on reactivating the Barcelona process and making up for delays in restructuring the economies of the countries benefiting from the MEDA plan.

European Union's cooperation with eastern Europe is not detrimental to partnership with south Mediterranean countries, the European MP said.

Nair Sami from the socialist group, did not share this viewpoint and said the European Union does grant special interest to Eastern Europe and does not fulfill the expectations of south Mediterranean countries.

Back-up to these countries' economies, initiated part of the Barcelona process, recorded long delays, he said adding one should not have illusions as to the post-Barcelona era.

The delegation-- representing the group in charge of relations with the Arab Maghreb at the European Parliament-- held rounds of talks with several Moroccan officials and parliamentarians as well as with delegates of trade unions and employers on the economic and political situation in the kingdom and on Morocco-European Union relations.

Talks equally covered the latest developments of the Sahara issue and the UN settlement plan --providing for the holding of a referendum in the Sahara, a Moroccan southern territory formerly under Spanish rule and retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid Accords.

The head of the delegation recalled at the press briefing that the European parliament has always backed the UN settlement plan on the Sahara.

Previous Stories:
  European parliament delegation holds talks in Rabat   (3/21/2000)
  King Mohammed calls for wider French - Moroccan strategic pact   (3/21/2000)
  European Parliament delegation in Morocco   (3/20/2000)

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