Spain's Rejection of Moroccan Claims
In a decisive response to Morocco's assertions regarding the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Spanish government expressed its unequivocal rejection of any claims made by Morocco over these territories. According to Spanish officials, both cities are integral parts of Spanish sovereignty and, by extension, of the European Union's territorial integrity. This strong stance was articulated following remarks by Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, who reiterated that Ceuta and Melilla represent a "historical and geographical right" for Morocco and called for a dialogue mechanism with Spain to address their future status.
During an interview on Moroccan public television, Ouahbi advocated for establishing a dialogue framework with Spain, proposing the creation of a "dialogue commission" to discuss the matter, which he emphasized should not be ignored. In response, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement underscoring that Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities that serve as borders between Spain and the EU, affirming their international recognition as part of Spain's territorial sovereignty. The ministry's communication firmly stated, "We categorically reject any alternative proposals regarding Ceuta and Melilla," emphasizing that this position was communicated through diplomatic channels.
Morocco has maintained its claim over the two Spanish enclaves since gaining independence in 1956. The late King Hassan II had previously urged Spain to create a "reflection cell" regarding the future of these cities, a proposal that did not receive a response. The recent interview with Ouahbi comes in the wake of a migration crisis affecting Ceuta, highlighting the complex relationship between the two nations amid ongoing regional challenges.
As reported by dw.com.
