Morocco expects Spain to protect its exports to Europe

Morocco is expecting Spain to ensure safe transit of its exports to Europe, in implementation of the accords and conventions signed between the two countries, in particular the transit of Moroccan exports through Spain," said Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, mohamed Benaissa.

Benaissa made the statement to the Moroccan TV channel "TVM" in response to Spanish press reports that Spanish fishermen would block Moroccan exports to Europe as of Monday to protest the collapse of Morocco-European Union negotiations on fisheries.

He said the Moroccan government would take all necessary measures to ensure "the arrival of Moroccan goods to European ports."

These harassment attempts by some sides, mostly non-governmental, will not prevent Morocco from defending its principles, its commitments and its vital interests, Benaissa said.

As to a possible resumption of fishery negotiations with the European Union, Benaissa said Morocco will carry on the dialogue, whatever the conditions...but this does not depend solely on Morocco. He said Morocco made "interesting and beneficial proposals to the other party but I don't think it showed an understanding to the proposals."