Sahara dossier evolution seems going in right direction, French president

President Jacques Chirac of France said Wednesday he deems that the Sahara dossier evolution was going in the right direction.

President Chirac was quoted as saying so by his spokeswoman, Catherine Colonna, at the end of a meeting he held in Paris with Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

As to the fishery dossier, President Chirac showed understanding for the concerns of Morocco, which seeks to preserve its sea resources, the spokeswoman said adding that the French president had recently raised the topic with the European commissioner for agriculture and fisheries, Franz Fischler, and expounded the problem.

President Chirac expressed hope that "the European Union and Morocco would reach a solution, and if possible, that this solution fulfils our wishes," Ms Colonna said.

Youssoufi is visiting Paris this May 2-3 to attend the 4th annual meeting of the French-Moroccan high joint commission, co-chaired by the two countries Prime Ministers.