Brussels, 01/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 28 February, Morocco informed the European institutions that it had completed the ratification process for the fishing sector partnership agreement between itself and the EU. This notification means that the agreement can enter into force immediately for four years, in compliance with the joint EU/Morocco declaration adopted on 14 July 2006 (EUROPE 9240 and 9235). Entry into force of the text will enable the EU to execute the first payments and allow 19 European boats to fish in Moroccan waters (EUROPE 9197). The previous fisheries agreement with Morocco expired in 1999, and the negotiations that lasted till 2001 (for renewing the agreement) stalled and provoked a freeze in relations on fishing between the EU and Rabat. Discussions recommenced in 2004 and the two parties signed an agreement in July 2005 (EUROPE 9013). (lc)