Spain for 'a positive answer' to Moroccan advanced status with EU, diplomat

Spanish foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Wednesday his country is for "a positive answer" to the Moroccan request on "an advanced status" with the European Union (EU) within the latter's new neighbour policy.

At a question time at the Senate, the Spanish diplomat said the policy is meant to "share the benefits of an enlarged EU with its closest neighbours," especially in stability. The policy offers the EU neighbours "the prospect of closer relations," he went on to say. The neighbour countries have also the possibility to participate in the union domestic market, "except in institutions," and share values of "the rule of law, good governance and the respect of human rights," Moratinos said.