Morocco Denies Mediation in Diplomatic Crisis with Spain, PM Says

While Spanish media have reported information indicating that there is mediation to resolve the diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Madrid, the head of government has provided a formal denial. "There are no negotiations and there is no mediator, the exchange of messages does not mean negotiations" between Morocco and Spain, he told the press. He added that there are attempts to settle the situation, "but they are not enough".

Saâdeddine El Othmani also reaffirmed Morocco’s position to maintain a relationship with Spain based on mutual trust. "Morocco is proud to be an important partner for Spain politically, economically and socially, and this imposes clarity in bilateral relations, and the lack of clarity has forced Morocco to pause to build the relationship correctly," he said.

The admission of Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario, in a Spanish hospital on April 18 had provoked a diplomatic crisis between Morocco and its northern neighbor. A crisis that worsened following the massive arrival of more than 10,000 migrants in Ceuta and Melilla in May. Rabat had recalled its ambassador to Madrid, Karima Benyaich, for consultation. For his part, the head of government sacrificed the now former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha González Laya, in an attempt to calm Morocco’s anger. His successor Manuel Albares who says he wants to strengthen relations with Morocco claims to have resumed contact with the Moroccan authorities.

Last week, the kingdom invited the representative of the Spanish embassy in Rabat to a guided tour of the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) in the company of diplomats from other countries such as the United States and Saudi Arabia.