European Parliament
Kathy Sinnott (IND/DEM ),
in writing
Because of the rejection of all amendments which would have prevented European illegal fishing in the waters of Western Sahara I have voted against this resolution.
I am concerned that this agreement in its current unamended form will allow European boats (including Irish boats) to fish in the waters of Western Sahara, a territory illegally occupied by Morocco. If the agreement is implemented, the EU will be violating international law and helping to prolong a conflict which has already lasted for 30 years.
The International Court of Justice and successive UN resolutions have made it clear that Western Sahara is Africa’s last colony, with a right to self-determination for its people. Morocco is not recognised as the administrative power. It has been clearly stated that no other country has a right to exploit the Saharawi resources without the permission of the Saharawi people.

