Morocco Asks for Spanish Troop Withdrawal from Disputed Islet

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, July 17, 2002

Morocco Asks for Spanish Troop Withdrawal from Disputed Islet

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Moroccan foreign ministry on Wednesday demanded that Spain immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from the disputed Mediterranean islet known toRabat as Leila. Morocco also protested to the United Nations over Spanish "aggression," urging the international body to order an immediate unconditional withdrawal of Spanish troops from the disputed island called Perejil by the Spanish.

Earlier Wednesday Spanish forces pushed the Moroccan soldiers off the islet, reportedly causing no casualties to either side.

The crisis occurred about a week ago when a dozen Moroccan troops set up an observation post on the islet, just 140 meters off Moroccan land territory.

Rabat said the move was part of a campaign to crack down terrorism and restrain illegal immigrants leaving for Europe, an issue that has already caused tension with Madrid. Moroccan officials said their government is seeking a solution to the dispute over the islet in a peaceful way.

Spain defended Wednesday its operation to push Moroccan troopsoff the disputed island and said it would withdraw its forces as soon as possible.

"The (government) does not want to keep a permanent military presence (on the islet of Perejil)," Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said.

She said Spain's action was aimed at restoring the "status quo" on Perejil, which lies just off the coast of Morocco.

Defense Minister Federico Trillo said Madrid had acted to remove the Moroccan troops in "legitimate defense" of its interests.

Both Spain and Morocco claimed sovereignty over the islet, which is only as large as a sports field, since the Spanish protectorate over Morocco ended in 1956.

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