[Black Agnes]

Well, considering the recent taking of Spanish territory by the Moroccans, it is rather cheeky and inyourface indeed. Especially the 'commendation' to the Moroccan King. Make no mistake, once they're done with Israel and Kashmir, they'll start on Andalusia. Once a land has come under Sharia it must not be permitted to be otherwise. They want Spain back under Sharia, make no mistake.

[swarthyguy]

UPDATE---<Europe Morocco Refuses To Pull Troops Off Disputed Island
VOA News
14 Jul 2002 21:11 UTC

Morocco's foreign minister says his country will not pull its troops off a disputed Mediterranean island occupied last week.

Spain also claims the island. But Mohamed Benaissa told reporters Monday that the disputed islet - about the size of a soccer field - falls under Moroccan sovereignty and the soldiers will remain despite warnings from Spain and the European Union.

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar says his government is making diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute but will not accept the presence of Moroccan troops on the island, known as Perejil to Spain and Leila to Morocco.

Mr. Aznar told parliament that "it is essential to return to the status quo prior to the occupation of the island." He says Spain will not accept a "fait accompli."

Twelve Moroccan soldiers Thursday set up an observation post and raised their country's flag over the island, located about 200 meters off the Moroccan coast in the Mediterranean Sea, near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Morocco says it set up the post to fight terrorism and illegal immigration across the Strait of Gibraltar.

In Brussels, the European Union says Morocco risks damaging relations with the 15-nation bloc. EU spokesman Jonathan Faull told reporters that the union wants the stand-off to end as quickly as possible.

Denmark, which currently holds the EU presidency, has expressed its full solidarity with Spain and has called on Morocco to withdraw its troops immediately.

At the same time, Spain has sent a fourth warship to the area to reinforce its military build-up in the disputed waters.


Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.