The resumption of relations between Spain and Morocco is on the right track since the arrival of José Manuel Albares at the head of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new head of diplomacy is open to dialogue on all burning issues such as the Sahara and the status of Ceuta and Melilla.
The Observatory of the North of Human Rights (ONDH) denounces "suspicious money laundering operations by drug trafficking networks and mafias operating between Morocco and several European countries such as Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, particularly in the real estate sector" and calls for an investigation.
Meryem, a 56-year-old Moroccan, incarcerated at the Fontcalent prison (Alicante) since July for drug trafficking, died on August 14 from a heart attack. She had requested provisional release for health reasons, which the judge had rejected.
The Malaga police dismantled a network distributing fake Covid tests. In total, three individuals, including a Moroccan, were arrested and 25,000 of these tests were seized.
The leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, will return to the camps in September, after five months of absence for health reasons related to Covid-19 and complications that required a long convalescence period.
Things seem to be accelerating on the diplomatic front after King Mohammed VI announced that Morocco wishes to inaugurate a "new stage" in relations with Spain, based on "trust, transparency, mutual consideration and respect for commitments". Moroccan diplomat Karima Benyaich is reportedly about to return to her post in Madrid.
The strategic relations between Morocco and the European Union are of great importance, affirmed the President of the European Commission on Saturday. Ursula Von der Leyen also emphasized the mutual consideration and respect for commitments advocated by the Moroccan Sovereign in his speech on Friday.
The tension prevailing between Morocco and Algeria could lead to the end of the concession of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline (GME) linking the neighboring country to Spain. While the kingdom has stated its position on its renewal, Algeria is slow to do so. Its position could be unfavorable.
Spanish police do not approve of the fact that the government is investing more money to strengthen the Moroccan police with equipment when at the same time they also need more resources to cope with the massive and repeated assaults of migrants. They are asking for a "realignment" of aid to Morocco.
Two Moroccans, pursued by the Civil Guard for drug trafficking, were arrested on the Saladillo beach in Estepona by two off-duty national police officers.
Several Spanish media have welcomed the speech of King Mohammed VI on August 20, particularly his wish to inaugurate "an unprecedented stage" in the bilateral relations between Morocco and Spain, based on "trust, transparency, mutual consideration and respect for commitments".
The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, reacted to the speech of King Mohammed VI->mot151, in which Morocco wishes to inaugurate "an unprecedented stage" in relations with Spain, based on "trust, transparency, mutual consideration and respect for commitments". He believes that it is "a great opportunity to redefine the relations between the two countries".