In a significant address to the Congress of Deputies, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized on Thursday that there is "no evidence" to suggest that the mass influx of migrants into Ceuta on July 30 was either "designed or executed" by Moroccan authorities. His remarks came during a critical session where he was called to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave located in North Africa.
Sánchez articulated that if the government possessed "solid evidence," it would act accordingly and decisively, as the situation demands. He asserted that the current administration is not afraid to confront foreign powers when necessary, underlining the importance of base facts before taking any action. He invoked the Iraq War as a cautionary tale, highlighting Spain's participation in what he termed an "illegal war based on false evidence." To date, he noted, no international institution or government has provided "solid evidence" that Morocco orchestrated or planned the events that transpired.
Despite the lack of evidence, Sánchez acknowledged the need for a reevaluation of Spain's cooperative mechanisms with Morocco, stating that the relationship must evolve in light of recent events. He reiterated the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations while also reassessing the "coordination and alert mechanisms" that exist between the two nations to ensure additional guarantees moving forward.
Defending Prudence in Diplomacy
The Prime Minister also defended his government's "prudence" in addressing accusations implicating Morocco in the Ceuta migration crisis. He firmly stated he has no intention of sparking a significant diplomatic conflict with the neighboring country. In his follow-up remarks, Sánchez maintained that his government views all foreign powers as equals but stressed the necessity of having "solid facts" before initiating any conflicts involving a third state like Morocco.
As the opposition raised concerns about the government's perceived leniency towards Morocco, Sánchez clarified that he is not protecting Morocco; rather, he is committed to ensuring a cautious approach that reflects a state perspective on relations which should be based on good neighborliness. He assured that as soon as clarifications regarding the ongoing doubts and indications are made, the government will respond decisively.
Diplomatic Actions and Responses to Moroccan Ministers
Additionally, Sánchez reported that the Spanish government summoned the Moroccan ambassador to Spain on August 21 due to what he described as "unacceptable" statements made by two Moroccan ministers concerning Ceuta and Melilla. This announcement was made during his address to the Congress as he detailed the situation following the mass entry of individuals from Morocco a month ago.
The Prime Minister referred specifically to comments made by Moroccan Ministers of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, who in recent weeks have asserted claims regarding the sovereignty or liberation of Ceuta and Melilla. Sánchez condemned these remarks as "unacceptable" and emphasized that the Spanish government has categorically rejected them, leading to the summoning of Moroccan Ambassador Karima Benyaich.
In response to criticisms of the government's "weakness" regarding Morocco, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares noted on August 28 that the summoning of ambassadors is rarely made public, failing to clarify whether the summoning of the Moroccan ambassador had indeed occurred.
As reported by efe.com.
