Melilla President Urges Controlled Reopening of Morocco Border After Two-Year Closure

De Castro believes that it is time for the border with Morocco to be reopened, assuring that entries into the city of Melilla will be controlled. "Any person transiting from one side to the other will have to undergo the formalities required at any border," he said at a press conference.

To read: Spain Backs Morocco’s Sahara Plan as Territorial Dispute Eases

Regarding Melilla’s sovereignty, De Castro believes that this issue "should not even be raised", recalling that the autonomous city has existed for 524 years, long before even Spain. "Morocco must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the city...", he insisted, specifying that the kingdom cannot be a "good neighbor" if it "stifles" Melilla.

To read: Spain Demands Ceuta and Melilla Protection in Morocco Talks on Western Sahara

The President of Melilla hopes that with the "new stage" that is opening up in the relationship between Morocco and Spain, after the change in position on the Sahara of the latter, the kingdom will renounce its "annexationist" desires on the autonomous city and that the assaults of migrants will cease. He will also address this migration issue with President Pedro Sanchez, who is expected in the city this Wednesday.