Annan concerned over evolutions in Moroccan-Spanish relations

UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, expressed concerns at the evolutions in Moroccan-Spanish relations.

In a statement released this Wednesday, Annan says he regrets any unilateral action undertaken to date and encourages parties to live up to their initial commitment to settle this pending issue through peaceful means."

The UN secretary general also said he had held contacts with the leaders of the two countries and offered his good offices if parties wish so.

Morocco has asked Spain to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the Moroccan Mediterranean islet of Leila and submitted the issue to the UN security council, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference.

While Morocco and Spain were holding dialogue, helicopters of the Spanish army, supported by several gunboats, landed on the Moroccan islet of Leila, violating Morocco's air space and territorial waters.

The Spanish forces captured the six Moroccan security agents posted there since July 11 for a surveillance operation and forcefully embarked them before setting them free near the occupied Moroccan city of Sebta.