Benaissa calls Spanish media to be unbiased in Sahara issue
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/7/2005

Visiting Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohamed Benaissa on Monday called on the Spanish media to be unbiased and objective while dealing with the Sahara dispute that opposes Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

"It is necessary to hear and air the viewpoints of the two parties" of the conflict, Benaissa told the Spanish TV 'TVE' at the end of talks with his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos.

The Foreign Minister described as "regrettable" the expulsion on Sunday of a Spanish delegation from the southern province of Laayoune, noting that it was informed beforehand by Morocco's embassy "that its trip to the Sahara is ill-timed."

The delegation, which belongs to the Federation of solidarity with the Sahrawi people, flew to Laayoune from Las Palmas (Canary Islands) but was not allowed to get off when the plane landed.

Local authorities of Laayoune denied entry to the Pro-Polisario delegation for "lack of official authorization to practice political activities in the city" and for "biased support" to the Polisario separatists which lay claim to Morocco's southern provinces, known as the Sahara. The former Spanish colony was retrieved by the North African country in 1975 under Madrid Accords, signed with Mauritania and Spain.

"We are a State and we deal with Spain via institutional channels, through political parties and institutions that are representative of the Spanish people," said Benaissa, noting that "Morocco's security and stability are sacred."

Morocco is particularly dynamic in maintaining and developing relations with Spain, added Benaissa who held talks with Moratinos on bilateral and regional issues.

The meeting is part of "permanent institutional dialogue" between Morocco and Spain to reinforce bilateral cooperation.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco denies entry to pro-Polisario Spanish delegation   (6/6/2005)
  Morocco expels Spanish journalist   (6/3/2005)
  El Pais: Madrid's archbishop denies press reports on PJD   (6/2/2005)

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