Spain Reaffirms Arms Sales to Morocco Despite Territorial Concerns

In response to Senator Carles Mulet of Compromis, who denounced in November the construction by Morocco and Israel of a military base near Melilla, describing it as a "manifest threat to the integrity of the territory", the Spanish government stressed that it will continue to sell arms to Morocco, a "strategic partner" with whom it wishes to maintain "the best possible neighborly relationship".

To read: Spanish Senator Slams Decades of Arms Sales to Morocco Amid Western Sahara Tensions

"The Spanish authorities ensure the rigorous application of Articles 6 (Prohibitions) and 7 (Export Controls) of the Arms Trade Treaty with regard to the export of defense and anti-riot materials to Morocco," the government assured in its response, specifying that it also takes into account the texts of the European Union defining common rules for the control of exports of military technology and equipment, as well as those relating to the reduction of the accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons.

To read: Spain’s Military Sales to Morocco Raise National Security Concerns

Furthermore, export requests are analyzed "on a case-by-case basis" and the licenses granted are framed by "a clause of non-re-export or use other than that authorized," the Spanish government added before stressing that with regard to Morocco, "all possible information is collected by the control services in Spain."