In a firm response to recent assertions by Moroccan authorities regarding the status of Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish officials have reiterated that the sovereignty of these North African enclaves as Spanish territories is not open for debate. This statement comes after Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, publicly renewed Rabat's claims over the two cities during an interview with Asharq TV, marking the first time since the border crisis at the end of July that these contentious issues have been addressed. During that crisis, estimates indicate that approximately 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, resulting in at least 96 fatalities during the chaotic surge at the border.
Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco has consistently raised the issue of the status of Ceuta and Melilla in negotiations with Spain, with a long-term goal of resolving the matter through dialogue. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has maintained that Ceuta and Melilla are under Spanish occupation, arguing that ultimate sovereignty over these territories should return to Rabat. In contrast, Spain has regarded these cities as integral parts of its territory since the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles made a strong statement in Ceuta, asserting, "Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish, or rather, deeply Spanish, and they are not to be touched. Any aggression against Ceuta and Melilla is an aggression against Spain as a whole. It cannot happen again." The Spanish government has praised Moroccan authorities for their cooperation in repatriating migrants, attributing the recent crisis to human trafficking networks.
In a separate statement, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that "the territorial integrity of Spain has never been and will never be up for discussion with anyone." In response to the situation, Morocco's Interior Ministry announced an increase in security measures near the borders with Ceuta and Melilla, especially in light of calls circulating on the internet for another mass crossing attempt on August 15. They warned that organizers and participants of such actions would face legal repercussions.
The ministry urged the public to remain vigilant and act responsibly, warning against getting involved in suspicious and misleading calls that pose risks to human life. Additionally, they called on Spain to expedite the return of unaccompanied Moroccan minors currently in Ceuta. Last week, Spain's Minister for Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, indicated that Madrid would evaluate Morocco's offer to repatriate minors on a case-by-case basis.
As reported by es-us.noticias.yahoo.com.
