Brussels, 12/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - Speaking through Gunnar Wiegand, spokesman for External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, the European Commission deplored, on Friday, the occupation by Moroccan troops of the uninhabited Spanish island of Perejil, just off the Moroccan coast, but has refused to get directly involved in what it considers at this stage as a bilateral dispute. "This is clearly a regrettable incident. It constitutes a violation of Spanish territory", Mr Wiegand told the press. A dozen Moroccan soldiers landed on the island, explaining they wished to establish a post there as part of the country's efforts to fight illegal immigration. "This has nothing to do with fighting illegal immigration", Mr Wiegand insisted, adding that everything needed to be done to ensure a quick solution was found by Spain and Morocco. We recall that the EU/Morocco Association Agreement provides for regular political consultation and joint action against illegal immigrants who infiltrate Europe from northern Africa.