Brussels, 14/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Talks between Morocco and the EU on a new bilateral fisheries agreement are continuing despite the fact that, during the fifth round of talks in Rabat on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 February, the parties were unable to reach a compromise. Discussions are said to be stumbling over the financial compensation that the EU should pay to Morocco in exchange for allowing fishing possibilities for European vessels in Moroccan waters. So far, Morocco has shown no flexibility on this, sources say. There is optimism, however, on the Spanish side. Miguel Arias Cañete, the minister for Spain, said the talks on fishing between the EU and Morocco were close to a conclusion. He welcomed Rabat's efforts to conclude the talks within a reasonable time.
On Wednesday, both parties pledged to meet again in Brussels before the end of the month, although no date has yet been set for that meeting. On 14 December 2011, the European Parliament rejected the one-year extension of the EU/Morocco fisheries agreement. The agreement allowed 120 vessels from 11 European countries (100 from Spain) to fish in Moroccan waters. Morocco responded by demanding that European fishing vessels leave its waters. Madrid, for its part, demanded EU financial compensation. European aid to fishermen affected, however, expired early this year - which explains the pressure that is being put on the Commission by Spanish fishing associations to ensure the Commission reaches a new agreement with Rabat as soon as possible. (LC/transl.jl)