Morocco's Ongoing Claim to Ceuta and Melilla
In a recent statement, Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi reiterated the nation’s longstanding claim over the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Speaking to the Moroccan public broadcaster 2M, Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco possesses both "historic and geographic rights" to these territories, asserting the need for dialogue with Spain and the European Union to achieve what he termed a "definitive solution." He expressed his determination to resolve the territorial dispute through constructive discussions, urging Spain and the EU to engage meaningfully with Morocco on this matter.
Ouahbi proposed the establishment of a dedicated platform for negotiations, suggesting the formation of a "dialogue commission" aimed at addressing the future status of the cities. He remarked, "We will defend our historic and geographic rights through dialogue," indicating that Morocco is prepared to continue advocating for its claims through diplomatic channels.
Spain's Firm Rejection of Claims
In response to Ouahbi's statements, Spain’s Foreign Minister swiftly dismissed the claims, reaffirming that Ceuta and Melilla are unequivocally Spanish territories, integral to Spain's sovereignty and recognized as part of the European Union. The Spanish government firmly rejected any alternative interpretations regarding the status of these cities, reiterating their commitment to maintaining territorial integrity.
This exchange follows previous remarks made by Ouahbi during an interview where he reiterated Morocco’s intentions to pursue dialogue regarding its claims to the territories. He highlighted that the issue frequently arises in meetings between Moroccan and Spanish officials, insisting that it remains a priority in bilateral discussions. The exchange of statements comes as Morocco commemorates the 611th anniversary of Portugal’s occupation of Ceuta, adding historical context to the current discourse.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
