Brussels, 14/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - Morocco and the European Union have the "political will" to reach a global agreement on agriculture by the end of the year, it was declared by Chris Patten's spokesperson at the end of the meeting, on Thursday in Brussels, between the Commissioner and Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Benaïssa. The provisional agreement between the European Union and Morocco on tomatoes is politically "linked" to the conclusion of this general agreement (yesterday's EUROPE, p.13).
Mr Patten, the spokesperson said, also welcomed the fact that his discussion partner was willing to begin negotiations for a re-entry agreement for foreigners in an unlawful situation after the preparatory meeting of experts on 29 November. The Fifteen had given the Commission a mandate for negotiating with Morocco in September 2000 (EUROPE of 17 October). So far, despite the preparatory meetings in January, March and May this year, Morocco had not yet agreed to launch formal negotiations. The question of EUR 40 million available in the MEDA programme was not tackled because the expert mission, which was to establish projects, will present its results at the end of the month, said the spokesperson. These projects, to be launched in 2003, will finance European support to Moroccan overland and maritime border control services and the creation of an immigration centre (to provide information on immigration and heighten the population's awareness to the dangers of the trade in human beings). For 2004, the Commission foresees a new aid project for the creation of SMEs and for the strengthening of infrastructures in the north of the country, from where many potential emigrants come.
After the meeting, Mr Patten and Mr Benaïssa spoke a short while with the press, stressing that they had had "a very good discussion". According to Mr Patten, both parties should make progress during the Association Council in February 2003. Benaïssa said he was "very encouraged" by the mutual determination shown for "placing relations in a better sphere". In answer to questions by the Spanish press, he confirmed that he will "soon" be in Madrid to meet Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Palacio, and that he was convinced the two countries could improve their relations.
Mohammed Benaïssa had tackled international policy issues the evening before with Javier Solana, and was to meet Romano Prodi on Thursday evening.