Brussels, June 05, 2013 (SPS)- The European Commission High Representative, Catherine Ashton, reaffirmed The EU full support for Western Sahara’s people right to self-determination, in a reply letter to Western Sahara Intergroup in the European Parliament regarding the Fisheries Protocol Agreement between the EU and Morocco, dated May 30th
“The EU reaffirms its full support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts, commends the work of his Personal envoy Ambassador, Mr Christopher Ross, and encourages the parties to work towards achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in agreement with relevant UN Security Council resolutions” Ashton says
She highlighted that “The EU remains concerned about the implications of this conflict for the security and cooperation in the region. The EU has repeatedly called on all parties to refrain from violence and to respect human rights”.
“Western Sahara related issues are regularly discussed in the framework of the EU-Morocco political dialogue and at meetings of the joint bodies established under the Association Agreement” the EU official added
Concerning the Fisheries Protocol Agreement, Ashton explained, in her letter, that “The European Commission is negotiating a new Protocol to the FPA with Morocco following the directives of the Council of February 2012 and taking into account the European Parliament’s resolution on a future Protocol to the FPA with Morocco”.
“On that basis, The European Commission is seeking to obtain an agreement that contains a clause of compliance with human rights, which is fully compliant with international law and serves the interests of all the local populations concerned In particular, The European Commission is proposing that Morocco should regularly report on the economic and social impact of the sector support provided for by the Protocol, including its geographical distribution. In case of serious violations of Human rights by Morocco, the application of the future fisheries Protocol could also be suspended” concluded The EU Commission High Representative, Catherine Ashton
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