France can help Morocco, Spain settle dispute over Leila islet

France has "a vocation to play a moderating role" with Morocco and Spain "which are two very close friends of France," said Tuesday French foreign minister, Dominique De Villepin, in remarks about the dispute that erupted after Morocco set up a surveillance post on the Mediterranean Leila Islet.

The French foreign minister who was guest to Jean-Pierre Elkabbach's political program aired by the radio station "Europe-1" said "France, and of course the European Union too, have a vocation to play a moderating and encouraging role with these two states that are two very close friends of France, to peacefully settle the dispute currently opposing them."

Last week Morocco set up a surveillance post in the Mediterranean islet of Leila, located less than 200 meters off the Moroccan coast. In response to Spain's reaction to the move, Morocco said the surveillance post is no more nor less than a mere surveillance operation on its territory that is meant to tighten fight against illegal immigration, drug trafficking and terrorism.