New round of Morocco-EU fishery talks in Rabat

Morocco and the European Union held in Rabat Wednesday and Thursday a new round of fishery talks.

The delegations led by fishery department secretary general Rhanmi Tijani and fishery general-manager of the European Commission Steffen Smidt met for another round of weekly talks meant to pave the way to a balanced and fair cooperation agreement in the sector of fisheries.

Morocco, which means to preserve resources and promote its own sector, wants reduced accord duration and number of European trawlers, fixed quotas of catches and compulsory landings in Moroccan ports. Rabat also insists on exclusive fishing zones for nationals, satellite surveillance of the European flotilla and boarding of Moroccan fishermen.

Rhanmi Tijani told MAP Thursday Morocco firmly sticks to the basic principles meant to preserve its sea resources. He expressed hope the European Union would show more understanding towards Morocco's proposals.

The two sides will carry on discussions next week in Brussels.

Under the previous Morocco-EU fishery accord that expired on November 30, 1999 some 600 European trawlers, mainly Spanish, were authorized to operate in Moroccan grounds for an annual financial compensation worth 125 million Euros.