Irish Larbour Party parliamentarian, and presidential candidate, Michael Higgins states that the lack of information from the Commisison regarding the EU illegal fisheries is outrageous. "There has been no consultation with the Saharawi people. Prolongation of the current arrangement is a flagrant violation of international law and the founding principles of the European treaties", Higgins state.
EU Commission preparing to extend illegal partnership arrangements in relation to fisheries
Thursday 17 February, 2011
http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/129794471916631268.html
Statement by Michael D Higgins TD
Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs
The European Commission has asked EU governments for a mandate to negotiate a 12-month renewal of the EU-Moroccan Fisheries Partnership on the same terms as the existing agreement which international legal opinion has condemned as being clearly illegal.
The original decision is one which allows the pillaging of natural resources of the Saharawi people whose territory is occupied.
It is particularly outrageous that European Member States have not been informed of the Commission's reaction to international legal opinion on the illegality of the existing arrangements.
The mandate now being sought is once again being presented as a technical exercise when it is in fact a political action that supports illegal occupation and has an entirely negative effect on any proposals for peace or resolution of the conflict in the territory of the former Spanish Sahara.
The Irish Government should support international law which clearly states that economic activities, such as fishing and mining, can only take place in a non self-governing territory in accordance with the wishes and interests of the people.
There has been no consultation with the Saharawi people. Prolongation of the current arrangement is a flagrant violation of international law and the founding principles of the European treaties.
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