Spain Refutes Allegations of Moroccan Involvement in Ceuta Mass Crossing

In a recent statement, Spain's Minister for the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with Parliament, Félix Bolaños, categorically denied any evidence suggesting that Morocco orchestrated the mass crossing of migrants into Ceuta on July 30. During a session before the Joint National Security Committee in the Congress of Deputies, he criticized opposition parties, particularly the Popular Party and Vox, for spreading unfounded allegations that could damage relations with Morocco, a neighboring country with which Spain must maintain cooperative ties.

During this session, Bolaños faced scrutiny not only from opposition members but also from allies within the government regarding Spain's apparent reluctance to address Morocco's potential role in the recent events. Cuca Gamarra, a representative from the Popular Party, questioned the government's motives, implying that it was trying to placate Morocco and asked what Spain owed to Rabat. Similarly, Vox spokesperson Pepa Millán accused the government of being 'held hostage to blackmail' and claimed that Morocco was utilizing migration as a tactic in a 'hybrid war' against Spain. In response, Bolaños urged the parties to refrain from making allegations without substantial evidence and to respect the fundamental principles of diplomacy.

Various representatives from other political parties, including Sumar, Compromís, and EH Bildu, also voiced their concerns over the government's approach, particularly questioning why Moroccan border controls had been relaxed prior to the surge of crossings. The Basque Nationalist Party raised further inquiries about why Morocco had seemingly abandoned surveillance before the crossings took place and why it was currently refusing to repatriate the bodies of deceased migrants.

Bolaños emphasized that Ceuta and Melilla are indeed Spanish territories, asserting that he did not discuss their status in any of his conversations with Morocco's justice minister. He cautioned against the use of inflammatory language that characterizes the migrant influx as an 'invasion,' which could incite xenophobia within society.

As reported by en.yabiladi.com.