Morocco’s Claim on Ceuta and Melilla Persists, Says Former Spanish Intelligence Chief

Jorge Dezcallar believes that the Spanish government must give clear explanations on the agreement reached with Morocco after it declared its support for the Sahara autonomy plan, considered the "most serious, credible and realistic" solution to the conflict. "We hope the government will explain how its decision contributes to finding a solution to the conflict or what benefits Spain derives from it," he said in an interview with Europa Press.

To read: Morocco Steadfast on Sahara and Ceuta-Melilla Claims, Expert Says

The diplomat, ambassador to Morocco between 1997 and 2001, specifies that Morocco has "used" immigration as a "weapon" against Spain, recalling the massive influx of migrants to Ceuta in May last year and the repeated assaults of migrants to Melilla. He argues that the change in Spain’s position on the Sahara will not change the reality and that Morocco will continue to claim Ceuta and Melilla.

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

For Dezcallar, Morocco was "strengthened" in its position when it obtained the support of the United States under Donald Trump who recognized its sovereignty over the Sahara, in exchange for the normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel. It then "put pressure" on Germany which held the rotating EU presidency, and finally made it change its mind on the Sahara, before Spain which, faced with the "unsustainable" crisis, also ended up declaring its support for the Sahara autonomy plan.