Morocco's Commitment to Stronger Relations with Spain
In the face of the ongoing challenges faced by Spanish President Pedro Sánchez regarding the Ceuta crisis, Morocco has firmly reiterated its commitment to establishing a sovereign and amicable relationship with Spain. The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing its intention to engage in a relationship characterized by geographical proximity, political understanding, economic partnership, and security cooperation, which has already yielded "tangible results." This declaration serves to counter recent remarks made by various Spanish ministers and political figures who have reignited claims concerning the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as accusations of Spanish colonialism, all in an apparent effort to obscure the tragedy in Ceuta, where over 140 lives were lost.
Despite these tensions, Moroccan diplomacy maintains that it bears no responsibility regarding the events in Ceuta. In its statement, Morocco questioned the validity of ongoing accusations against it, highlighting that no credible evidence has linked Moroccan authorities to the incidents. This assertion, however, conveniently overlooks reports indicating that Moroccan intelligence had previously warned its agencies about increased social media activity promoting the assault and that the military intelligence had noted a negligent approach from Moroccan law enforcement. The significance of this statement is further underscored by its coincidental timing with the Spanish Congress's approval of a law allowing Sahrawis born during Spain's colonial rule, as well as their descendants, to obtain Spanish nationality.
Reactions and Implications for Spain and Morocco
This legislative initiative has incited discontent in Rabat, as it directly touches upon the sensitive issue of Morocco's territorial integrity, implicitly questioning the Moroccan claims over Western Sahara. The omission of this topic in Morocco's statement suggests a strategic decision to avoid further aggravating relations with Spain. The new law could potentially lead to a demographic shift in the Sahara, as activists opposed to Moroccan governance might choose to emigrate to Europe to escape repression.
Furthermore, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry's statement also targeted the Spanish Popular Party (PP) indirectly, accusing it of politicizing the relationship between the two nations for internal agendas. It lamented that historical political parties might have succumbed to populist and unreasonable proposals that undermine common sense. Morocco asserted that it will not accept being treated as an electoral bargaining chip nor will it allow itself to be used as a scapegoat in domestic political disputes.
Additionally, Moroccan officials expressed disappointment with the media coverage surrounding these issues, criticizing the portrayal of Morocco's role in the ongoing crisis as "lamentable" and suggesting that honorable legislative and judicial institutions should refrain from initiatives that sow discord. This criticism seems to reference the judicial inquiries initiated by Judge María Tardón of the National Court regarding the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July, which may lead to investigations into Morocco's involvement.
The diplomatic communication also included pointed inquiries aimed at Spain regarding its handling of illegal migrants, questioning why individuals are not being repatriated despite Morocco's official commitment to accept them. The statement also raised concerns about unaccompanied minors being kept away from their families, despite Morocco's persistent calls for their return. Currently, the expulsions from Ceuta primarily involve adult Moroccan nationals, as Rabat does not agree to the return of sub-Saharan migrants and individuals from other nationalities. Moreover, it highlighted that only a minuscule percentage of unaccompanied minors have been able to return to Morocco in recent years, with many choosing to remain in Spain to build their lives.
As reported by elconfidencial.com.
