Moroccan association denounces entry denial of citrus fruits to Spain

The Association of Morocco's fruits and vegetables producers and exporters (ASPAM) denounced the port control department of the Spanish southern port of Almeria for denying entry on March 28 to three trucks loaded with Moroccan oranges.

The association said the move is a disguised reprisal to Morocco's refusal to renew the fisheries agreement with the EU, which allowed 400 Spanish trawlers to fish in Moroccan waters.

The port authorities claimed that the oranges did not match size requirements.

The association explained that the merchandise underwent all controls required by the EU law before leaving the port of Nador (northeastern Morocco). It also called the Moroccan government to take moves with the Spanish authorities and the EU bodies to secure a safe transit of Europe-bound Moroccan goods through Spanish ports.