Spanish official supports compensating Moroccan exporters

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Alimentation Jesus Posada said Wednesday he was in favor of compensation for acts of vandalism against Moroccan goods in the harbors of Algesiras and Cadiz.

The announcement came right after a working meeting with delegates of Spanish organizations of fruit and vegetable growers and exporters which have launched violent action against transitting trucks loaded with Moroccan produce.

A spokesman for the organizations said the blockade in southern ports would go on pointing out the demos announced for Feb. 9 and 12 in Las Palmas and Tenerife are maintained.

Since announcement by the European Commission that Moroccan tomatoes exports will no longer be subjected to import certificates as of Feb. 1, Spanish pressure groups have started ransacking Moroccan goods travelling to Europe via Spanish ports.

The prime minister department released a communique early this week saying farmers' behavior was contrary to the treaty of friendship and good neighborly relations between the two countries and a violation of free circulation of goods international conventions.