Melilla Leader Warns of Moroccan Territorial Ambitions, Urges Diplomatic Resolution

Eduardo Castro stated, during a meeting on NATO’s new strategic concept, that he hopes "the end of Morocco’s diplomatic and verbal aggression against the ’Spanishness’ of Melilla," adding that the normalization of relations between Spain and Morocco could help put an end to these "Moroccan ambitions."

"In recent times, we have suffered countless affronts from Morocco: from the closure of commercial customs to continuous diplomatic and verbal aggression against our national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the President of Melilla, recalling that NATO’s new strategic concept adopted last June in Madrid "is a commitment of the Alliance to unity in the face of the challenges facing our democracies."

Eduardo de Castro also welcomed the police cooperation between Spain and Morocco in the fight against terrorism, which has recently led to the dismantling of a jihadist cell. He wished to strengthen this cooperation between all Alliance members, particularly in the field of defense.