Morocco, EU to hold 1st association council meeting next month

The first meeting of the Morocco-European Union association council will be held next October 9 in Luxembourg, reports this Friday Moroccan weekly "Maroc-Hebdo International."

According to the paper, minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, will be leading the Moroccan delegation to the meeting.

The council will examine major problems facing the enforcement of the agreement, signed in February 1996 and enforced on March 1st, 2000. The agreement establishes a regular framework of political dialogue and provides for the gradual creation of a free-trade zone with a maximum of 12 years.

The council brings together officials from Morocco, the EU 15 member countries and the commission of European communities.