Spain pulls out, denies islet row exposes EU weakness

Washington’s intervention came after the EU failed to grant Spain its full support in the dispute. France, Morocco’s former colonial power, had been particularly annoyed by Spain’s decision to oust Moroccan troops from the islet by force.

‘‘This (US involvement) is not a sign of (European) weakness. It is real politics, practical politics,’’ Spanish Secretary of State Ramon de Miguel told reporters as he arrived in Brussels for a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

He said Morocco had requested the involvement of the US, an ally of both countries. Diplomats said Morocco did not see the EU as an honest broker because Spain is a member.

‘‘The US acted as facilitator, it was the wish of Morocco. The Americans gave the guarantees that Morocco needed and that is why we reached an accord,’’ said Miguel.

Asked whether France had shown enough solidarity with Spain in the dispute, he said: ‘‘Yes, I think they and all our partners have shown solidarity.’’

Miguel was standing in for Spain’s new Foreign Minister, Ana Palacio, who travelled to Rabat instead of to Brussels on Monday to hold talks with her Moroccan counterpart Mohamed Benaissa on the islet and other pressing bilateral problems.