Jose Maria Aznar Urges Stronger Defense for Ceuta
The former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar, has made a significant political comeback by addressing the ongoing immigration crisis in Ceuta. In a recent interview with Antena 3, Aznar advocated for the militarization of the Spanish enclave, asserting that both the government and the military have a constitutional duty to protect the nation's borders. He sharply criticized the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, accusing him of cowardice, incompetence, and betrayal for allegedly failing to defend Spain's interests and siding with "invaders." Aznar questioned whether Spain is truly prepared to take the necessary actions to ensure Ceuta remains a part of Spain and the European Union, urging for decisive measures to reflect that commitment.
Aznar's comments reflect a broader concern regarding Spain's foreign policy in relation to Morocco, as he called for a reevaluation of this approach and suggested an increased role for the European Union in managing relations with the North African country. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Aznar had previously sought to rally European Union and NATO support against Morocco concerning the contested Perejil Island, where U.S. mediation played a crucial role in resolving that crisis.
Continuing to monitor Moroccan affairs closely, Aznar expressed alarm over a recent military deal worth $524.2 million between Morocco and the United States aimed at procuring advanced HIMARS rocket systems. He lamented the diminishing influence of Spain on the international stage, stating that the weakening of Spain's military capabilities has resulted in a reduced standing with the United States. Citing recent military agreements between Morocco and the U.S., he emphasized that Spain's influence within the European Union and Latin America has significantly waned.
As reported by lakome2.com.
