Fischler calls for restructuring European fishing sector

Morocco ought to be ''realistic'' and understand that for the European Union ''fishing possibilities must be an integral part of the new arrangement'', said the European fishery commissioner Franz Fischler.

In a meeting in Brussel Monday with fishery ministers of Spain and Portugal, he said the European fishery sector affected by stoppage of activity in Moroccan waters ought to consider restructuring to alleviate socio-economic impact of the stoppage in case no agreement is reached with Morocco. The Moroccan private sector resists a new arrangement with the Union, he added.

In a press conference, he voiced ''regret'' at the absence of progress after the meetings of last week in Brussels of the Moroccan and EU delegations and stressed the need for a mutually beneficial agreement saying the EU is still waiting for an answer to ''proposals made several months ago'' and wishes discussions ''at a political level''.

Fischler insisted talks on agriculture and fisheries with the Kingdom are in no way linked.

Over 600 European fishing boats, mainly Spanish and Portuguese, are berthed since Nov. 30, 1999 when Morocco said it would not renew the fishing accord with the Union against compensation arguing it sought a new shape of cooperation likely to prevent over-fishing and secure the take-off of the local fishery sector.