Morocco warns Spain against looting Moroccan products

Morocco has warned Spain against possible looting against Moroccan products, following the expiry on November 30 of the Morocco - European fisheries accord.

Moroccan diplomatic representations in Spain contacted all Spanish authorities and attracted their attention on the consequences of possible sabotage acts against Moroccan products, Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohammed Benaissa, said on Tuesday.

All the European fleet, made up mainly of Spanish and Portuguese trawlers, left Moroccan territorial waters following the expiry of the fisheries accord. Morocco refused to renew the accord to safeguard its depleting sea resources.

Some Spanish circles may, as in the past, conduct acts harmful to Moroccan interests, especially for goods transitting the Spanish territory towards Europe, Benaissa said.

The Head of the Moroccan diplomacy said he was convinced that Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, was sincere when he assured Morocco that the non-renewal of the fisheries accord will have no impact on bilateral relations.

The Moroccan government is resolved to take all necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of Moroccan products "wherever we want via Spain or via other means," Benaissa said.

Morocco already took a package of measures to guarantee the exportation of Moroccan products via other European ports in the event of such incidents, he added.