Morocco concerned over anchoring of spanish frigate off occupied island of N'Kor
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/30/2002

Morocco has voiced concern over the anchoring this Monday morning of a Spanish frigate off the occupied Moroccan island of N'kor, near the Moroccan Mediterranean city of Al Hoceima, about 200 km to the east of Tangier.

Morocco's concern was expressed by minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, during phone talks with his Spanish peer, Ana Palacio.

A communique by the Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation said "following the anchoring Monday morning of a frigate of the Spanish navy off the occupied island of N'Kor, near Al Hoceima, Benaissa immediately got in touch with Spanish minister of external affairs, Ana Palacio, to draw her attention and tell her of Morocco's concerns over this act, undertaken once again by the Spanish navy in Moroccan national territorial waters."

The Spanish frigate lift the anchor at about midday, the communique said.

The Spanish navy conducted a similar operation early July, following which the Moroccan foreign department summoned Spain's ambassador in Rabat to protest the violation of Morocco's national territorial waters.

The Spanish minister of foreign affairs admitted, in a statement to the Qatari satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, two weeks ago the mistake made by the Spanish navy and expressed apologizes for the mistake.

Last Thursday, Morocco voiced concern over Madrid's attempts to retract on what has been settled regarding "Morocco's indisputable sovereignty over its air space and territorial waters in the Mediterranean." The remarks came in a communique read out by Benaissa before the chamber of advisors (upper chamber of the Moroccan parliament).

"We have noted lately that Spain is attempting to backtrack from what has been settled regarding the crucial issue of Morocco's indisputable sovereignty over its territorial waters and air space in the Mediterranean, stated the communique.

"Morocco voices concern over this new attitude on the part of Spain which seeks to cast doubts on an issue that has been settled in conformity with the relevant legislation and in the frame of the respect of international law," the communique read out by Benaissa had stated.

Previous Stories:
  Rabat worried at Madrid's attempts to retract on agreement regarding Morocco's kingty   (7/27/2002)
  Morocco amazed by Spanish officials' remarks   (7/26/2002)
  Government voices pride over evacuation by Spain of Moroccan islet   (7/25/2002)

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