Spain Rallies EU Allies to Counter Moroccan Diplomatic Offensive Amid Crisis

In a note signed by the chief of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Camilo Villarino, Spain has instructed its ambassadors in EU countries to counter Morocco’s diplomatic offensive which "is multiplying initiatives in different EU countries to present its version of events related to the current crisis between its country and Spain," reports El Confidencial Digital.

The objective is to provide arguments to the Spanish embassies "so that they can use them proactively in their contacts with the foreign ministries of the EU countries," says the Spanish site, which indicates that Camilo Villarino, who was the number 2 at the Spanish embassy in Morocco for four years, was one of the main players in the transfer of Brahim Ghali to the Logroño hospital under a false identity.

"We appreciate the support we have received from European institutions and EU member states, essentially for two reasons: for the solidarity that has been expressed and also the fact that the Member States consider Ceuta as a border of the Union," can be read in the note obtained by the media.

"It is clear, in any case, that Morocco’s reaction cannot be explained by the Sahara issue. The backdrop is the Sahara, despite the fact that the Moroccan minister has always publicly denied this. We must admit that we are shocked and very surprised by the number of arrivals and the terrible images of young people and children risking their lives at sea, which cannot leave anyone indifferent. Migration must never be used as a tool to exert political pressure," the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states in its note to the ambassadors, before concluding that "the communication channels with the Moroccan authorities are open," and that Spain is willing to work "so that the relations continue and offer the excellent results".