Morocco gives 21 permits to Spanish fishermen
Date: 17-Jan-03
Country: MOROCCO
The move signalled the healing of a rift between Spain and Morocco that began two years ago after the non-renewal of a fisheries deal between the North African Arab country and the European Union.
Morocco last month offered 64 fishing boats renewable three-month permits to fish in its territorial waters. The spokeswoman said that 43 more licences will be granted soon.
The sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in November off Spain's north-west coast of Galicia has devastated rich fishing and shellfish grounds and brought to a near standstill fishing-related industries crucial to the local economy.
Ties between the two neighbours worsened last July after Spanish military ousted at gunpoint Moroccan soldiers from a tiny deserted Mediterranean islet.
The two countries also disagree over Morocco's claim on the Spanish North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and the future of the Western Sahara, a former Spanish territory.