Albares Emphasizes Urgent Return of Illegal Immigrants from Ceuta
In a recent statement, José Manuel Albares, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, emphasized Morocco's commitment to the immediate return of all immigrants who have crossed the border into Ceuta irregularly. During a press conference held in Ceuta following a meeting with the city's autonomous president, Juan Jesús Vivas, Albares warned that collaboration with Moroccan authorities is essential to ensure that "every last person who entered Spain illegally returns to Morocco." He characterized the situation as a precarious endeavor for those heeding misleading information circulating on social media, which falsely suggests that illegal entry into Spain can lead to substantial benefits.
Albares pointed to the role of misinformation in triggering a mass influx of people into Ceuta. He announced that the Spanish government, in collaboration with the European Commission, is working with digital platforms to prevent such a crisis from occurring again. He highlighted the ministry's website section called "Exteriores explica," which aims to clarify facts and debunk false information regarding irregular entry into the autonomous cities.
Schengen Integrity and International Cooperation
Albares reassured that the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla "absolutely guarantee" the integrity of the Schengen Area, marking his visit as the first by a Spanish foreign affairs minister to Ceuta. He noted the solidarity received from most European Union countries, despite the presence of what he termed the "reactionary international" and its supporters in Spain and Europe. "This is a common border between Spain, and thus the European Union, and Morocco, which must be managed jointly," he stated, underlining Morocco's status as a "fundamental partner" in this context. Albares also mentioned that dialogue with Morocco has facilitated the swift return of thousands of individuals who had entered irregularly.
As reported by theobjective.com.
