Morocco Calls for Dialogue on Territorial Rights
In a recent statement, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has reiterated Morocco's claim to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, describing it as a "historical and geographical right." The minister emphasized the importance of establishing a dialogue mechanism with Spain to address the future of these territories and facilitate their "return to the motherland." This assertion is part of a long-standing claim that Morocco has maintained since gaining independence in 1956.
Minister Ouahbi stressed that the issue of Ceuta and Melilla is not merely a historical footnote but a significant matter that requires ongoing dialogue between Morocco and Spain. He stated, "The question of Ceuta and Melilla will remain a topic of discussion between us and Spain, and we will uphold our historical and geographical rights." He added that silence on this matter is not an option for the benefit of either the present or future, calling for an open debate to find a definitive solution that ensures the return of these cities to Moroccan sovereignty.
This rhetoric is not new; it echoes sentiments expressed during the reign of Hassan II, the father of the current Moroccan monarch, Mohammed VI. At that time, discussions of a "temporary sovereignty" over these enclaves were already being floated across the Strait of Gibraltar. The current discourse reflects a historical narrative that continues to resonate within Moroccan politics, reinforcing the country's stance on this territorial dispute.
As reported by abc.es.
