The Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has made a significant statement regarding the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla, characterizing them as a "historical and geographical right" of Morocco. In a recent interview with the Moroccan public channel 2M, Ouahbi called upon Spain to establish a dialogue commission to discuss the future of these autonomous cities. The Spanish government swiftly responded, asserting that sovereignty over both Ceuta and Melilla is not up for debate, firmly rejecting any alternative propositions, as reported by The Objective.
In his interview, Ouahbi emphasized that the issue of Ceuta and Melilla will remain a subject for dialogue between Rabat and Madrid, reaffirming Morocco's claim to maintain its historical and geographical rights over these territories. He advocated for the establishment of "means of dialogue" with Spain, including a specific commission to address this matter, insisting that this dialogue must remain a priority because it is a topic that cannot be ignored. Furthermore, Ouahbi called for a "definitive solution to the current situation," which he believes would allow for the "return to the homeland" of Ceuta and Melilla.
The Moroccan claim over Ceuta and Melilla dates back to the country's independence in 1956. The late King Hassan II had previously requested the creation of a joint "reflection cell" on the future of these two enclaves, a proposal that has never received a formal response from Spanish diplomacy.
During the same interview, which primarily focused on the implementation of a new law on advocacy in Morocco, Ouahbi also addressed the recent migration crisis that has impacted Ceuta. He reiterated his appeal to Spain for the return of all unaccompanied Moroccan minors who entered the city on July 30 and 31, when the crisis peaked, assuring that Rabat is ready to receive them once their identities are verified.
The Spanish government's response was prompt, with official sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming to The Objective that Ceuta and Melilla are "two Spanish cities, the borders of Spain and the European Union," and that Moncloa firmly rejects any alternative propositions regarding their status. These sources clarified that this position has been communicated clearly through the appropriate diplomatic channels between the two countries.
The firmness of the Spanish response stands in stark contrast to Morocco's increased insistence on its claims in recent months, particularly in light of the tensions created by the migration crisis at the end of July, when a large number of individuals attempted to enter Ceuta from Moroccan territory within just two days.
This diplomatic standoff occurs during a particularly sensitive time in bilateral relations, influenced by both the management of migration flows at the southern border and the territorial debate surrounding Ceuta and Melilla, an issue that Morocco has kept open for decades without Spain altering its fundamental position.
As of now, neither the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor Moroccan diplomacy has announced an official meeting to specifically address Ouahbi's proposal. It seems likely that this controversy will continue to shape the bilateral agenda in the coming weeks, as neither party has yet shown a willingness to change its fundamental stance on the status of Ceuta and Melilla.
As reported by elfarodemelilla.es.
