Spain officially toughens its tone: Morocco’s claims “degrade” relations

The message was conveyed by the ministry headed by José Manuel Albares to La Voz de Galicia. “Neither have we discussed it, nor are we discussing it, nor will we ever discuss it with Morocco,” the department stated regarding Spain’s territorial integrity.

Madrid went further by explicitly establishing a link between Moroccan statements and the deterioration in relations between the two countries. The ministry recalled that these positions had led Spain to officially summon the Moroccan diplomatic representation on 21 August. Pedro Sánchez later revealed before Congress that Ambassador Karima Benyaich was not in Spain at the time of the summons.

On Bladi.net : Ceuta and Melilla: Spain toughens its stance and warns Morocco

The new Spanish reaction comes after several statements by members of the Moroccan government. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi had defended Morocco’s “historical and geographical right” to Sebta and Melilla. Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq subsequently referred to the “liberation of the occupied cities.”

Nizar Baraka reaffirmed this position in turn last week. While describing Spain as an essential partner, the Minister of Equipment and Water assured that Morocco would not retreat “by a single centimeter” regarding its national territory. This statement directly responded to the “red lines” set a few hours earlier by Pedro Sánchez.

“Ceuta and Melilla are Spain”

Spain’s Foreign Ministry has now responded unambiguously: “Ceuta and Melilla are Spain and always will be.” The wording contrasts with the caution Madrid had displayed since the beginning of the migration crisis at the end of July.

Pedro Sánchez had already toughened his tone before lawmakers. While asserting that he had no solid evidence of the involvement of the Moroccan authorities in the mass arrivals in Sebta, he had warned that Spain would act “firmly” if Moroccan responsibility were demonstrated.

On Bladi.net : On Ceuta and Melilla, the official Moroccan text is far more direct than one might think

The territorial disagreement is now being publicly acknowledged by both sides. Rabat maintains its claim to the two cities, while Madrid rejects even the principle of negotiations over their sovereignty. The two governments thus present completely opposing versions of the place of Sebta and Melilla in their bilateral dialogue.