Spanish fleet doomed to stay at berth, Spanish sources say

The Spanish fleet fishing in Moroccan waters will have to stay at its berth as of November 30 when the Moroccan EU fishing agreement expires, a Spanish official said.

Ambassador to Rabat, Jorge Dezacallar, was quoted by the Madrid daily ABC as saying the Spanish government has taken appropriate measures in anticipation of the December 1 pullout.

The EU is "open to several formula to meet conditions by Morocco," such as setting up of joint ventures, investment promotion in fisheries and port activities, quotes on ABC.

Europa press agency reports statements by the President of the Galicia autonomous government, Manuel Fraga, saying talks on fishing should open irrespective of the shape of the accord to be reached.

Fraga, who handed Monday in Brussels the fishery commissioner a note on how vital the activity is for Galicia, said the European Commission would do anything possible to pass any kind of accord and pay more to enable the European fleet to stay in Moroccan waters.