Morocco's Call for Repatriation of Migrants
In a significant development regarding the ongoing migration crisis, Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has formally requested Spain to return migrants who crossed into Ceuta during the mass entry event in July. This plea also extends to the repatriation of the bodies of those who tragically lost their lives attempting to swim across the Tarajal strait to reach the autonomous city. Ouahbi emphasized the need for Spain to cease its encouragement of young people to undertake these perilous journeys, suggesting that such actions contribute to the ongoing migration flow. The minister's remarks came during an interview with the Arabic news outlet Al Arabiya, where he argued for a comprehensive approach to address migration issues affecting both countries.
The Urgency of Identifying the Deceased
Furthermore, Ouahbi criticized Spain for its lack of communication regarding the number of migrants who perished during this crisis. He pointed out that without proper identification, the remains of the deceased cannot be repatriated, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two nations in this sensitive matter. The Moroccan government has been vocal about its inability to effectively manage irregular migration while Spain continues to accept migrants, which they argue sends a conflicting message to those seeking to cross into Europe. In response to Ouahbi's statements, the Spanish Foreign Ministry has yet to issue an official reply, although it has reaffirmed Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, which remains a point of contention between the two countries. This diplomatic tension underscores the complexity of migration issues in the region, particularly as Spain continues to navigate its responsibilities towards migrants and the humanitarian crisis at its borders.
As reported by cadenaser.com.
