Brussels, 17/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner Franz Fischler's visit to Casablanca on Monday allowed for the deadlock in fisheries talks to be broken after many months. They should lead to a responsible partnership that respects the interests of both parties, having agreed to a further meeting on 30 October. On that occasion, the Moroccan delegation will let its country's stance be known. Negotiations will, notably, turn to the question of rules relating to stock preservation that will have to be respected by the Community fleet.
At the end of his talks with King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Youssoufi and Fisheries Minister Chbaatou, Commissioner Fischler declared: "I went to Morocco to make progress, and we did make progress. I am glad that after ten months of reflection, the negotiations on the substance of a new partnership have been launched today. We agreed that the new form of cooperation has to reflect the interests of both sides (...) I understand that job-creation is a key for the Moroccan government, and we are prepared to contribute".
Worth noting that, this Wednesday, the European Commission has, moreover, to approve the reconversion plans of the Spanish and Portuguese fleets which allow for the payment of compensatory aid to fishermen whose activities have been interrupted since the expiry of the previous fisheries agreement with Morocco.