No incident against Moroccan products transiting Spain
Morocco-Spain, Economics, 4/26/2001

Five lorries carrying Moroccan fish for European markets, on Wednesday left safe the port of Algesiras (southern Spain).

Some 300 Spanish fishermen blocked Tuesday the Algesiras port to ban the access of Moroccan products. They were protesting the stoppage of negotiations between Morocco and the European Union on the renewal of the fisheries accord that expired in 1999.

The Spanish authorities imposed stringent security measures around the port to ensure a safe passage for the Moroccan products.

Morocco refuses to renew the accord under its previous formula out of concern to safeguard its depleting sea resources. Since September 2000, Morocco and the EU held several technical and political rounds of negotiations in a bid to strike a new fishery accord but the negotiations reached no result.

The North African nation, which has rich Atlantic shores, says it wants to carry on the negotiations insisting however that the UE must understand Morocco's concerns over the situation of the fishery sector and the biological and economic goals it targets.

Last weekly Moroccan fisheries minister, Saed Chbaatou, reaffirmed Rabat's stand, making it clear to the Europeans that its fishery offer "is to take or leave."

The official said Morocco has made a political decision at the highest level and will honor it. Morocco is in favor of an agreement but is likewise "determined not to make concessions on its interests."

Previous Stories:
  Morocco expects Spain to protect its exports to Europe   (4/20/2001)
  Spanish southern fishermen block Moroccan exports   (4/12/2001)
  Spanish local government plays down fisheries agreement with Morocco, prepares alternative activities for professionals   (3/31/2001)

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