Moroccan northern fishery association opposed to any new fishery accord

The Moroccan regional federation of northern fishery associations said it is against a new fishery agreement between Morocco and any other party in order to preserve already depleting national fishery resources.

In a press release issued at the end of a federation's meeting with the Moroccan minister in charge of fishery, the federation explained that professionals expressed satisfaction over the government's stand not to renew any agreement with any foreign country.

Meanwhile, Spanish foreign minister, Josep Pique told Moroccan second channel "2M" that a compromise on fishery issue between Morocco and the European Union is possible by the end of the year.

He said that the underlying ideology behind the old Morocco-EU accord is no longer valid, pleading for a qualitative change in relations between Morocco and Spain based on common interests, friendship and closer ties.

Morocco refused to renew a fisheries agreement with the European Union after it expired last November.