Moroccan Community Leader Apologizes for Tourist Area Clashes in Canary Islands

"We are very sorry for what is happening. On behalf of the entire Moroccan community, we apologize to the Canarian people." This is how Mohamed El Khalifi expressed himself, condemning the acts committed by some of his compatriots. "There are laws and they must be respected...", he added.

"Moroccans who have lived in the Canary Islands for years feel ’fear’ of possible retaliation from the local population, which has never happened, because the Canarian people have always been good," he said.

Khalifi is convinced that violence is not the solution. "I ask you to be patient, to trust the justice and the police who are doing an enormous job... and not to think that we are all the same," he said as an appeal to the Canarians whom he considers "angry".

Mohamed El Khalifi also hopes that the government of the Canary Islands and Spain, "which has always maintained good relations" with the Moroccan government, will be able to provide a lasting solution to the problem and stop the migratory flows.