Aujourd'hui le Maroc: Morocco's fm: all of Moroccan-Spanish pending problems to be surveyed in wednesday's meeting
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 12/11/2002

Morocco's Foreign Affairs and Cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa said that he will "inventory pending problems" with Spanish counterpart, Ana Palacio, in a meeting scheduled on Wednesday in Madrid.

In an interview published Tuesday by Moroccan daily "Aujourd'hui le Maroc," Benaissa considered that the current crisis between Rabat and Madrid "has lasted for too long" and that both parties should address all the pending issues in "a transparent and responsible spirit."

The Moroccan official cited in this regard clandestine emigration, territorial waters, human rights of the Moroccan community living in Spain and the Moroccan Sahara issue.

"It's in the interest of both countries that Spain adopts a fair position concerning the Moroccan Sahara issue, in line with the reality and the United Nations' new vision," said Benaissa, adding that the settlement plan, as advocated by Madrid "has proved irrelevant."

The Moroccan official further stressed that the Kingdom's position concerning Spanish-occupied Sebta and Melilia, and the nearby islands, is clear, and "conforms to the King's priority to consolidate sovereignty over all Moroccan territory."

"We wish to examine all issues with our Spanish friends, without any pre-conditions, nor constraints, in a positive and constructive climate of responsibility and frankness," he insisted.

In a statement made to the Moroccan Arabic daliy "Al Ahdath Al Maghribia," Benaissa said that "Spain will have to deal with a new Morocco at all levels," expressing hope that his visit to Spain will "start earnest relations based on confidence."

Moroccan Foreign minister and Spanish counterpart were due to meet on September 23th, but Morocco put off the meeting to protest Spain's landing of military forces on Tourah island, some 180 metres away from the Moroccan coast.

Previous Stories:
  Vanguardia: Spain and morocco need to address common problems with courage, Moroccan official   (12/10/2002)
  Morocco and Spain can reach larger, deeper dialogue, Morocco's fm   (11/16/2002)
  Moroccans excluded from foreign seasonal workers in Spain   (11/7/2002)

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