Morocco Accuses Spain of Violation

24/09/2002| IslamWeb

Morocco accused Spain of repeatedly violating its airspace by flying over a disputed islet and questioned Madrid's motives after the two nations narrowly averted a military crisis over the island this summer. Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Benaissa said that a Cessna plane from the Spanish navy flew over the Mediterranean island, which is claimed by both countries, Monday. The island is known in Morocco as Leila, or "Night," and in Spain as Perejil, or "Parsley."

He said Moroccan authorities are concerned "about the objectives pursued by the Spanish army through the observed increase of varied and repeated violations of Moroccan airspace."

Spain's Foreign Minister Ana Palacio told Spanish national radio Monday that the aircraft that flew close to the island belonged to a Spanish television news channel. She said she hoped "things return to normal" now.

On Sunday, Benaissa canceled a Monday meeting with Palacio in Madrid after hearing that Spain landed an army helicopter on the island. Palacio said she regretted Morocco's decision and denied that the Spanish helicopter had tried to land on the island, which is a few hundred yards from Morocco's coast.

Relations between the two nations have been tense since July, when Spanish troops ejected a group of Moroccan soldiers who had occupied the tiny uninhabited rock outcropping for two weeks.

The standoff was the most serious conflict between the two nations in decades, ending only with a U.S.-brokered deal to remove all forces from the island.

AGENDA UNCERTAIN

The two sides had been expected to discuss the possible return of their respective ambassadors at Monday's meeting.

Morocco recalled its ambassador last October and Spain recalled its envoy during the Perejil dispute.

But the agenda had been left open, since neither side had been able to agree on exactly what should be discussed.
Spain wanted to talk about the problems of illegal immigration from North Africa into Europe.

But Morocco was determined to bring up the question of sovereignty of Spain's North African territories, which include the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as a number of islands, including Perejil.

Morocco regards them as occupied territories and wants them back.

Spain says sovereignty of the territories is not up for discussion.

PHOTO CAPTION

Morocco was determined to bring up the question of sovereignty of Spain's North African territories, which include the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as a number of islands, including Perejil. Spain says sovereignty of the territories is not up for discussion.