Text of Letter from Secretary of State Colin L. Powell to His Excellency Mohamed Benaissa, Foreign Minister of Morocco on the Recent Island Dispute

July 20, 2002

Dear Mr. Minister:

As a result of the conversations I have had over the last several days, I am pleased to convey my understanding of the solution that has been reached regarding the recent island* dispute between Morocco and Spain.

First, I understand that the Governments of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Spain have agreed to restore and maintain the situation regarding the island that existed prior to July 2002. This includes the withdrawal and absence of all military forces and government officials, whether uniformed or not, from the island, and the removal and absence of all outposts and flags or other symbols of sovereignty from the island, with the understanding that use of the island and surrounding airspace and waters will be consistent with pre-July activity.

I further understand that these steps will be fully implemented by Morocco and Spain no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (Washington, D.C.), July 20, 2002, after a 24-hour cooling off period to include no official statements on this subject. Following the return to the status quo ante, the two sides will engage in ministerial level discussions in Rabat on July 22, 2002, on the implementation of this understanding.

The two sides will also arrange for future discussions on steps to improve bilateral relations.

In addition, I understand that the Governments of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Spain agree that:

• the actions of both sides in this matter will be without prejudice to their positions regarding the status of the island;
• any differences will be resolved solely through peaceful means;
• both sides will adopt a constructive public posture characterizing this resolution of their dispute as in their mutual interests, without winners or losers; and,
• both sides will implement this understanding in good faith.

I believe that this solution reached by the Governments of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of Spain is in the interest of both countries and can serve as the basis for further steps in improving their bilateral relations.

                                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                                    Colin L. Powell

His Excellency Mohamed Benaissa,
                          Foreign Minister,
                          Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
                          Rabat, Morocco.