Morocco Severs Diplomatic Ties with Spain Amid Migrant Crisis and Ghali Controversy

"Contrary to the statements of Minister Arancha González-Laya, Morocco has had no contact with Spain since the outbreak of the crisis, and has never been informed of Brahim Ghali’s arrival in Spain," said Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with Europe 1. The Moroccan minister was responding to the remarks of his Spanish counterpart who claimed that Spain and Morocco were "discreetly exchanging".

According to Bourita, Morocco maintains "very good relations" with most European Union (EU) countries, stressing that Spain is the only one responsible for the current crisis. "It is up to Spain to find a solution to the crisis: if it opts for Ghali’s exit in the same way he entered, it risks aggravating the crisis," added Nasser Bourita.

As part of the settlement of the migration crisis, Morocco has already accepted the return of 7,500 migrants out of nearly 9,000 who illegally entered Ceuta at the beginning of the week.