Morocco is demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Spanish troops who have seized back control of the disputed island of Perejil.
Spanish forces moved onto the island early this morning, seizing control back from a dozen Moroccan soldiers who had set up camp on the island on 11 July.
Morocco's Foreign Ministry said Spain's decision to use force to oust the Moroccan troops contravened international relations.
"Confronted with this aggression, the Moroccan Kingdom demands, before anything else, the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Spanish armed forces from Leila island, which is an integral part of Moroccan territory," it said.
European Commission President Romano Prodi failed to endorse Spain's military action and repeated his call for a diplomatic solution. "The Commission is concerned about events on Perejil island. It is now time to return to the status quo ante and to resume dialogue between Spain and Morocco," Mr Prodi said in a statement.
NATO, which has stood behind Spain during the dispute, said only it was pleased "the status quo ante has been restored".
Hardly bigger than a football pitch, the island has belonged to Spain since 1668, but is claimed by Morocco. There has been no Spanish presence there for the last 40 years.
Meanwhile, the leader of one of Morocco's coalition government parties said today that the eviction amounts to "a declaration of war" by Madrid.
"I am stupefied. One cannot solve problems with gunfire. This is a declaration of war and an error," said Mr Majubi Aherdan, a former defence minister who heads the National Popular Movement (MNP).
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"Spain has forgotten that Morocco is an independent country," he added, asserting that all ties with Spain should be severed.
A source close to the Moroccan government said that a scheduled cabinet meeting had been cancelled following Spain's military operation, and sources said officials were in inter-ministerial talks on how to respond to Madrid.
PA/AFP