EC in close contact with Morocco on fisheries, Fischler says

European agriculture and fishery commissioner Franz Fischler said Monday the European Commission (EC) was in "close contact" with Moroccan officials for "technical and political" talks on fisheries.

Answering a question on his "diplomatic initiative," he said he had no timetable but contacts were made recalling how fishery ministers' council last Friday voiced support to EC in its bid to reach a satisfactory agreement with the kingdom before the end of the year.

The council had, however, said that short of agreement, the Commission will be proposing a "specific" program for the restructuring of the European flotilla which used to operate in Moroccan waters.