Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that no report has identified an «intellectual author» behind the crisis in Ceuta, which saw over 72,000 people enter the city in late July. Speaking at the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), the minister emphasized his continued trust in Morocco, describing cooperation and coordination with the country as excellent in all areas.
The minister addressed reports submitted to the National Court in Spain. A report from the National Intelligence Centre and Borders (CENIF) of the National Police points to the involvement of Moroccan gendarmes, while a Civil Guard report notes that warnings received before July 30 did not allow for the scale of the crisis and the mass influx of thousands of people to be predicted. Fernando Grande-Marlaska stressed that there are currently no logical, reasonable, or objective facts to suggest the involvement of Morocco, any other state, its representatives, or any specific individual in organizing the crisis in Ceuta. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez previously expressed the same position.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska called for respect for the judicial investigation and police analysis, which must consider «all images and data» in their proper context, as «some elements have different interpretations». National Court Judge Maria Tardon is investigating the mass entry into Ceuta, as it may have been aimed at «attacking the state in violation of its territorial integrity».
Defending leadership and criticizing the opposition
Fernando Grande-Marlaska also defended General Luis Pelaez, who heads the Civil Guard information service. The minister dismissed as fabricated and false the claims that the general had ordered the removal of references to Morocco from the report submitted to Judge Maria Tardon.
At the same time, the minister criticized the strategy of People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, stating that the country needs «serious politicians» and added that those who do not help «would be better off staying at home». He was responding to comments by Alberto Nunez Feijoo that Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas had allegedly «derailed a plan» that involved certain «concessions» by the government of Pedro Sanchez to Morocco.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska also noted that 90% of the people who entered Ceuta «returned within 24 hours», which he called «very clear and obvious» proof of cooperation with Morocco. He added that Morocco continues to accept all migrants who voluntarily come to the border to return to their country. According to him, more than 4,200 people have returned this way since August 10.
Regarding the remaining migrants in Ceuta, the government will apply the law «literally», Fernando Grande-Marlaska said. Those who do not qualify for international protection «will be returned in the shortest possible time».
Meanwhile, young migrants in Ceuta seeking to stay in the city are looking for ways to avoid being returned. Some are attempting to pass themselves off as minors, as this could affect their future status.
Source: El Mundo
