EU-Morocco fishing negotiations deadlocked

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) – After five rounds of talks, negotiations on fisheries between the European Union (EU) and Morocco were deadlocked with both parties parting without setting the date for the next round of talks.

A press statement from the EU on Friday said that the negotiations failed over the issue of respect for human rights and international law – the guarantees that Morocco must give on Western Sahara – as well as the financial compensation that EU must pay to Morocco in return for fishing quotas.

EU member states are said to be divided over the issue, with the United Kingdom, Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries demanding the guarantee.

However, other countries like France and Spain, worst hit by the deadlock, are urging EU member states to quickly conclude the negotiations.

European MPs demand that the territorial waters claimed by Western Sahara should be clearly identified and excluded from the new EU-Morocco fishing deal.
-0- PANA AK/TBM/IBA/MSA/VAO 1March2013