Photo above: Russian trawler Admiral Starikov bunkering in Las Palmas in 2008. After some months pause, the Russian fleet returned to waters of occupied Western Sahara in December 2012
On 10 December, the Russian and Moroccan governments signed a controversial four year fisheries agreement. The agreement allowed 10 Russian trawlers to fish in Moroccan waters. But already now, 2 weeks later, it is clear that the agreement is being applied also offshore the territory of Western Sahara, which is under Moroccan occupation. Such fishing is clearly in violation of international law.
As of 26 December 2012, between four and six Russian vessels are engaged in fishing in the waters off occupied Western Sahara:
Dirty green energy on occupied land
How can it be wrong to develop renewable energy, in a world that is in desperate need for a green transition? In Western Sahara, the problems are numerous.
Trump administration bankrolls ammonia project in occupied Western Sahara
The Trump administration has become the first US government to finance a private-sector project in occupied Western Sahara, awarding support to the controversial ORNX green ammonia venture.
Engie paves way for new farmland in occupied Western Sahara
Morocco has launched another tender to allocate more than 1,000 hectares of agricultural land in occupied Western Sahara, made cultivable through the French company Engie. The expansion comes as the EU considers increasing the unlawful trade with the territory.
European Parliament approves updated Morocco aviation agreement… without Western Sahara
The law is settled, but the practice is not. The recently adapted aviation deal excludes Western Sahara - yet the European Commission still tolerates EU airlines operating there regardless.