Morocco protests Spanish decree on oil drill between Moroccan coasts and Canary Islands
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/1/2002

Morocco protested the Spanish royal decree authorizing oil drills between the Moroccan coasts and the Canary Islands, the Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation department said in a statement, MAP reported.

The decree confirms the concerns already expressed by Morocco, the department said, adding it sent a diplomatic note to the Spanish embassy in Rabat in which it protests this "unilateral contestable and unfriendly Spanish act, that harms the Moroccan sovereignty over its continental plateau, stretching well beyond the median line as an extension of its sub-sea territory."

Spain had granted an oil exploring license to Spanish company "Repsol" to prospect oil in a maritime zone located in front of the Moroccan southern city of Tarfaya.

Morocco had called Spain to abide by the international law provisions and norms and to abstain from unilaterally modifying present data on the maritime spaces in the region, in conformity with the Morocco-Spain friendship, cooperation and neighborliness agreement.

In its diplomatic note, the Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation department stressed that Morocco has never consented to the unilateral modification of data related to the maritime space in the region and recalls that it had, in the past, rejected all attempts of the Spanish authorities in this connection.

The department equally recalled that when the move was first reported by the Spanish press in November 2000, it had officially protested, renewing Morocco's categorical rejection of any unilateral demarcation. It (Morocco) explained that demarcation can be operated through negotiation to reach grounds of agreement and a fair solution taking into account the realities of the region.

Spain did not respond to this note, the department deplored.

In accordance with international customary law, the demarcation of the continental plateau is operated by accord to reach a fair solution, the department insisted, adding if the concerned countries do not reach an agreement, they make practical temporary arrangements without harming the final demarcation.

The foreign affairs and cooperation department insisted that Morocco protests the Spanish decree, which harms its kingty rights.

Under the international customary law, Morocco enjoys sovereign rights over its continental plateau, which stretches well beyond the median line, the department said, adding these rights are exclusive.

The government of Morocco deems the Spanish royal decree unacceptable and urges Spain to suspend its application, the statement said, recalling that Morocco had already received drilling application in the region and turned them down.

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