Last week it was reported that Morocco was suspending contact with the EU following a ruling by the European Court of Justice on its agricultural agreement with the European bloc. However, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief has assured Morocco that its agricultural agreements with the bloc remain in force.
The EU Court ruled that the agricultural agreement which included the disputed territory of Western Sahara, was illegal. The former Spanish colony is controlled by Morocco but the separatist group Polisario has also laid claim to it.
During a visit to the Moroccan capital on Friday 4 March for talks, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, indicated the EU would continue its dealings with the North African country in spite of the court’s ruling.
Addressing the press after the meeting, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Salaheddine Mezouar reiterated that “the (EU) court’s decision is legally flawed and politically biased. It seriously affects the cooperation between Morocco and the European Union. It must be fixed.”
Federica Mogherini in turn assured that: “The EU remains convinced that the agreements between Morocco and the European Union are not a violation of international law and as such an appeal has been filed, the agricultural agreement otherwise remains in force.”
Source: africanews.com
