Spanish troops leave disputed island

Spanish troops have withdrawn from the tiny Mediterranean island of Perejil, after US mediation.

Spanish troops have withdrawn from the tiny Mediterranean island of Perejil, after US mediation.

The move clears the way for Morocco and Spain to ratify a US-brokered deal to defuse the crisis over the disputed rock.

The two sides have agreed to a settlement put together by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, which simply stipulates a return to the situation that existed prior to the start of hostilities 10 days ago.

Witnesses said Spanish flags were removed shortly after Madrid announced a deal with Rabat brokered by Washington to end the crisis late last night.

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Spain and Morocco have been locked in a heated standoff over the uninhabited islet of Perejil, known as Leila in Morocco, after Rabat sent troops to the rocky outcrop on July 11 which were evicted six days later by Madrid's forces.

Helicopters withdrew Spanish soldiers who had earlier evicted a Moroccan contingent, escalating the storm.

Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio is expected to formally sign the agreement with her Moroccan counterpart, Mohamed Benaissa, in the Moroccan capital Rabat on Monday.

The row is only the latest between Morocco and Spain, which have clashed over clandestine immigration, fishing rights and the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

AFP