No suicidal fishery agreement with EU, says minister

Sea-fishery minister Said Chbaatou said in Rabat Monday there will not be a "suicidal" agreement with the European Union (EU) on fisheries.

The EU answer to the kingdom's proposals does not take into account mutual commitment for a "renovated" and "balanced" partnership, Chbaatou said in joint press briefing with secretary of state to foreign affairs and cooperation, Taieb Fassi Fihri.

The two officials deplored that EU response was a mere duplicate of the last fishing agreement (1995-99) and insisted Morocco was sovereign on its resources and keen to make the most of relations with Brussels in every field including fisheries.

Coming rounds will be using the Moroccan platform for discussions and any agreement should take into account Moroccan interests and the need for a balanced partnership preserving fish resources in Moroccan waters, they said.

Rabat proposals call for reduction of duration of the agreement and number of European fishing boats, limitation of catches and their landing in Moroccan ports. Morocco also wants exclusive fishing zones for nationals, satellite monitoring and boarding of local fishermen on European trawlers.

Fishery talks are to resume November 21 in Brussels.