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THE European Commission has moved closer towards imposing sanctions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands over their controversial mackerel overfishing policy.
The Commission yesterday said unless there was a change in that policy fish imports from these two countries would be restricted, although it stopped short of spelling out the details.
It didn't mention Iceland or the Faroes by name, but stated that EU proposals is ready to establish new sanctions to be used "against any country engaging in unsustainable fishing which threatens stocks".
Talks between the EU and Norway and Iceland and the Faroes to try to settle the dispute have so far failed to find a settlement, but will resume again early in the New Year.
The development was supported by the Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead who said: "I welcome that these proposals have at last been published.We cannot stand back while this valuable stock is plundered. But our priority continues to be securing an international agreement for the fishery in 2012. If we are to ensure mackerel is sustainably fished and Scottish industry safeguarded, it’s critical that we have power to use sanctions, as and when required."
Tomas Heidar, chief negotiator for Iceland on mackerel fisheries, said: "In my view, the EU Commission should rather concentrate on promoting a solution to the mackerel issue than allude to import restrictions and other trade measures that would be in violation of international trade agreements.I do not find it credible that the EU would seriously consider applying such measures."
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