Historical proofs evidence Leila islet is Moroccan, researcher
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002

Mehdi Bennouna, a Moroccan journalist and writer, revealed in an interview published Thursday by French newspaper "Le Parisien" that there are irrefutable historical proofs evidencing that Leila islet is Moroccan.

There is an exchange of letters dating back to 1808, through which the British consul in Tangier was asking the Moroccan sultan's governor in Tetuan for authorization to let British ships put in in the island, said Bennouna, an expert in Moroccan-Spanish relations.

"Had the islet been under Spain's sovereignty, the British consul would not have addressed the request to the Sultan of Morocco" Bennouna said adding that "these documents are available in the Foreign Office in London."

He stated further that in 1987, the Spanish government told the parliament that there were no documents testifying that the islet was Spanish. The Moroccan expert stated further that the real aim of Spain is to foil Morocco's project to build a free trade port in front of the islet as this port would be so competitive and would overshadow Sebta, (a northern Moroccan city still under Spanish control where Spain finds an interesting outlet to its products). The Leila islet is a mere pretext, argued Bennouna.

As to Morocco's response to the occupation, Bennouna said the Kingdom will try to settle the issue through peaceful means, will plead its cause before the International Court of Justice, at the United NationsÉ if this is unfruitful, Bennouna said he does not rule out a mobilization of the Moroccan people, similar to the mobilization of the Green March (that enabled Morocco to liberate its southern provinces in 1975). He added however he is confident that a diplomatic solution will be reached.

Previous Stories:
  History confirms Leila islet is Moroccan territory, testimonies   (7/18/2002)
  Spain's Llamazares: invasion of Leila islet smacks of colonialism   (7/18/2002)
  The Guardian: impossible not to side with the Moroccans over Leila islet   (7/18/2002)

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