Melilla Border Closure Extended, Officials Urge Calm Amid Protest Threats

Sabrina Moh reminded the residents of Melilla that smuggling at the border is now a thing of the past and invited them to have their goods pass through "official channels and circuits" as soon as the Beni-Ensar border crossing reopens. The official assured that the government of Pedro Sanchez is working to put in place a "smart border", "a 21st century border, which meets security standards" whose reopening will be "gradual, in an orderly and safe manner".

To read: Spain Extends Border Closure with Morocco to May 15, Prepares for Gradual Reopening

Contrary to the previous months where the measure was extended by one month, this time the deadline has been reduced to 15 days, Moh pointed out, specifying that the border will remain closed from Saturday, May 1 at 00:00 to May 15 at midnight. A roadmap has been established between Morocco and Spain for the reopening of the borders and is being implemented "bilaterally", she insisted, calling on the population to remain calm.

To read: Morocco-Spain Border Talks Continue as Ceuta and Melilla Await Reopening

"It is important to agree on a minimum before opening the border. Negotiations are ongoing and we must have a little more patience since no date has yet been set for the reopening," she added, before announcing that security personnel will be reinforced at the border and that "relevant health checks" will also be established.

To read: Protesters Rally at Melilla-Morocco Border, Demand Reopening After Two-Year Closure

Regarding cross-border workers, Moh stressed that nothing has been decided yet, adding that they could be part of the first or second phase. Regarding commercial customs, the delegate acknowledged that "it is a complex issue". "It is a question that has many aspects and must be studied broadly and consensually before setting the date" for the reopening, she assured.