Artisanal fishing vessels. (Photo: Stock File)
EUROPEAN UNIONThursday, August 28, 2014, 03:30 (GMT + 9)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Morocco considered rumors stating this country is trying to delay the adoption of the fisheries agreement signed with the European Union (EU) as "ill-founded".
Through a statement, the Ministry explained it is waiting for the meeting of the bilateral joint commission, scheduled for 10 September so that European vessels can begin fishing in its waters.
Besides, it stated that after the fisheries agreement was ratified on 15 July, Moroccan authorities immediately proposed the holding of the joint committee.
"The holding of the committee is part of the protocol between the EU and Morocco in the framework of marine fisheries," the press release states.
The Moroccan Government recalled that the Joint Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the protocol and for setting the rules, measures necessary for issuing the fishing licenses. In addition, he also reiterated his willingness for the scheduled meeting to be held as soon as possible.
Under this agreement, 126 European vessels can fish in the fishery ground in exchange for the payment of EUR 40 million a year. Out of the authorized vessels, about a hundred are Spanish, and most of them are engaged in artisanal fishing.
The statements of the Moroccan authorities did not help calm down the president of the Andalusian Federation of Fisheries Associations (FAAPE), Pedro Maza, who expressed he was "surprised and unhappy" by the fact that they were made to pay the fishing licenses and they even can not fish in Moroccan waters.
To the leader, this situation is "beyond understanding", Europa Press agency reported.
"It's getting worse and it becomes insensible and impairs employment," ensured Maza.
The Andalusian leader said that he will request "the concerning party" for the money to be given back or for compensations to be enabled.
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