EU criticised for pandering to Morocco

The European Union must uphold its decision to recognise the “separate and distinct” character of the Western Sahara and not give in to pressure from Morocco, an Algerian diplomat has said.

The comments come as a joint statement was released yesterday by the High Representative of the EU, Federica Mogherini, and the Moroccan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on”the importance of maintaining stable trade relations” and “the necessary arrangements for the continuation” of these relations.

The Algerian diplomat, speaking to Tout sur L’Algerie, warned the EU to respect the decision of the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Western Sahara.

“Beyond the soothing effects of the communiqué, the EU faces a real headache,” the source told TSA. The EU is trying to “be conciliatory with Morocco, more sulky and spoiled than ever, knowing full well that the judgement of the European Court is legally binding and that it imposes itself on the European institutions and member states.”

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Algiers fears that “this singular indulgence displayed with regard to Morocco will be the prelude to an accommodation that will undermine the authority of the [Judgement of the CJEU] and above all will ensure respect for the rule of law as enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union.”

Morocco’s threat against the EU

Morocco warned the European Union this week against the non-application of their agricultural and fishing agreement in the Western Sahara and threatened to find new economic partners.

“Morocco and the European Union are bound by an agricultural agreement whose application is effective in the territory of the Kingdom of Morocco,” the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said in a statement on Monday.

The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries threatened that “such nuisances would jeopardise a co-operative building built over many years, leaving Morocco alone to turn away from it in favour of an acceleration in partnerships initiated by various countries and regions including Russia, China, India, Japan, the Gulf countries and our African neighbours “.