Morocco’s Ambassador Criticizes Spanish Foreign Minister Over Diplomatic Crisis

Arancha Gonzales Laya "continues to present erroneous facts and make inappropriate remarks," denounced Karima Benyaich in a statement to the press. According to her, the statements of the Spanish Foreign Minister "call for the following clarifications." "Firstly, we can only regret the lamentable nature, the agitation and the nervousness that accompany her remarks. Secondly, the current crisis has revealed the true ulterior motives and designs of certain circles in Spain, who persist in wanting to harm the higher interests of the kingdom, since the recovery of the Moroccan Sahara in 1975," she said.

"Thirdly, we are therefore entitled to wonder whether these latest statements are a personal blunder by the Minister, or whether they reflect the true aspirations of certain Spanish circles against the territorial integrity of the kingdom, a sacred cause of the Moroccan people and all the driving forces of the Nation. Fourthly, the mutual respect and trust between the two countries, to which the President of the Spanish Government referred, are unfortunately called into question today," added the Moroccan diplomat, stressing that Morocco takes note of this and will act accordingly.

The emergency admission of the President of the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)" to a hospital in Logroño has caused new tensions between Spain and Morocco. Tensions that have remained strained following the massive arrival of 8,000 migrants - including 2,000 minors - in Ceuta. Morocco has put pressure on Spain for Brahim Ghali to answer for his actions before the Spanish justice system. The Polisario leader faces accusations of torture, kidnapping and murder, particularly in the context of terrorist attacks carried out in the 1970s and 1980s that claimed Spanish victims. His appearance is scheduled for June 1 at 10:30 a.m. (local time) by videoconference.