Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, speaking in Dáil today welcomed the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling which called for the annulling of a 2012 trade pact between the EU and Morocco because Western Sahara which is illegaly occupied by Morocco, is included in the deal.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I welcome the ECJ’s ruling and order for the annulling of the 2012 EU trade pact with Morocco.

“The Court said that the EU hadn’t carried out its duties to ensure it considered all aspects of the deal, including its impact on the fundamental rights of the people of Western Sahara and who actually own the region’s natural resources.

“This something that Sinn Féin has continually raised and I personally called on the Government to reject trade deals with Morocco which included Western Sahara, which is illegally occupied by Morocco.

“I want to congratulate the Polisario Front, who brought forward this case.

“I am however extremely concerned that Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, has said that the EU intends to challenge the ECJ’s decision.

“Neither Morocco nor the EU have the right to exploit the natural resources of Western Sahara. If the EU wants to trade with Western Sahara and to buy its resources they need to consult with and get the agreement of the people of Western Sahara.

“I am calling on the Taoiseach to accept the ruling of the ECJ and to speak in favour of the ruling at the next European Council meeting which takes place on Thursday and Friday.”

ENDS