Spanish officials stated on Wednesday that the status of the North African enclaves Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories is not up for discussion after the Justice Minister of Morocco reiterated Rabat‘s claims to sovereignty over these cities.
The statements by Abdellatif Ouahbi to the Asharq TV channel on Tuesday marked the first time Rabat has publicly raised this contentious issue since the border crisis in Ceuta at the end of July. At that time, approximately 72,000 migrants temporarily crossed the enclave’s border, and at least 96 people died during the mass breach.
Ouahbi noted that his country has always raised the issue of the cities’ status in negotiations with Spain, seeking to reach a resolution through dialogue. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has considered Ceuta and Melilla to be occupied by Spain, asserting that sovereignty over them should ultimately be transferred to Rabat. Madrid, however, views them as integral parts of its territory since the 17th and 15th centuries, respectively.
Spain rejects Morocco’s claims
“Ceuta and Melilla are not just Spanish; they are super Spanish and cannot be touched,” stated Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles to journalists in Ceuta, responding to Ouahbi‘s comments. She also added, referring to the border crisis: “Any attack on Ceuta and Melilla is an attack on Spain as a whole. This must never happen again.”
The Spanish government has generally praised the cooperation of Moroccan authorities in the repatriation of migrants, placing responsibility for the crisis on the mafias engaged in human trafficking. In a separate statement, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the territorial integrity of Spain “has not been and never will be discussed with anyone.”
Morocco strengthens border security
Separately, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior reported on Wednesday that it had strengthened security near the borders with Ceuta and Melilla due to online calls for a new attempt at mass crossing on August 15. The department warned that it would prosecute the organizers and participants of such actions.
“The ministry urges everyone to remain vigilant and responsible and not to succumb to such suspicious and deceptive calls, given the risks they may pose to people’s lives,” the statement said. It also included a call to Spain to expedite the return of Moroccan minors who are in Ceuta unaccompanied.
Last week, Spanish Minister for Youth Sira Rego stated that Madrid would evaluate Morocco‘s proposal for the repatriation of children on a case-by-case basis.
Source: The Straits Times
