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Morocco Warns Spain Over Polisario Leader’s Hospitalization, Testing Bilateral Relations
Sunday 23 May 2021, by
The Moroccan ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich has warned of a likely departure of Brahim Ghali from the Iberian peninsula "in an opaque manner". The Polisario leader was admitted urgently to a hospital in Logroño, under the borrowed name of Mohamed Ben Battouche, of Algerian nationality, on April 18.
Karima Benyaich indicated that the Ghali file "is a test for the independence of the Spanish justice system, in which we have full confidence," but also another test to see if Spain "chooses to strengthen its relations with Morocco or prefers to collaborate with its enemies," reports EFE citing a statement read at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad.
"Spain has unfortunately opted for opacity by acting behind Morocco’s back, welcoming and protecting this criminal and executioner using humanitarian reasons as a pretext and thus undermining the dignity of the Moroccan people," comments the Moroccan diplomat. Morocco "is not looking for favor or indulgence, but wishes that the spirit of partnership and the application of Spanish law" be respected in the Ghali affair.
Morocco had recalled its ambassador to Spain last Tuesday. On Thursday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the ambassador would not return to Madrid "as long as the crisis lasts and the true cause of the crisis" as well.