Spain's Llamazares: invasion of Leila islet smacks of colonialism
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002

The Spanish left coalition "Izquierda Unida" on Wednesday openly condemned Spain's invasion of the Mediterranean islet of Leila as a move "resuscitating Spain's colonial and Africanist spirit of past centuries."

By using force, the Spanish government is wasting an important position in Africa, Morocco, General coordinator of the leftist coalition, Gaspar Llamazares told the Spanish lower chamber.

The coalition also accused the Spanish government of making an abusive use of the resolution adopted on Tuesday by the lower chamber and in which representatives support the continuation of diplomatic moves to defuse the crisis over the islet.

While Moroccan and Spanish authorities were conducting dialogue, helicopters of the Spanish army, supported by several gunboats, landed on the Moroccan islet of Leila, violating Morocco's air space and territorial waters.

Previous Stories:
  Spain calls back its ambassador to Morocco over Leila islet crisis   (7/17/2002)
  Morocco expects Spain's immediate unconditional withdrawal from Leila islet   (7/17/2002)
  Official statement on Morrocan Leila islet   (7/16/2002)

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