Fish, tomatoes are totally independent issues, Posada says

There will be no swapping of fish for tomatoes, there are only "very important" global relations between Spain and the European Union on one hand and Morocco on the other, said Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Jesus Posada.

Issues are separately negotiated and decisions on marketing of Moroccan tomatoes in European space will be made irrespective of whether or not talks on fisheries take place, said Posada in "El Mundo" Sunday release. The minister recalled how Morocco had insisted the agreement expired Nov. 30 was the last saying this would make talks all the more difficult.

As to violent action by Spanish farmers against transitting Moroccan tomatoes, Posada said the EU enforced import certificates to do away with surplus and Morocco has given guarantees export-quotas will not be exceeded.