Spain Seeks Swift Reopening of Ceuta and Melilla Borders with Morocco

"The relations between Spain and Morocco are always strategic and will be deepened. We must all welcome this," said Grande-Marlaska as he left the Council of Ministers. The minister also welcomed the resumption of maritime links with Morocco, before reassuring that the land borders of Ceuta and Melilla will reopen very soon and in a "progressive" manner.

To read: Protesters Rally at Melilla-Morocco Border, Demand Reopening After Two-Year Closure

Dozens of people, on foot and by car, demonstrated last Thursday at the Beni-Ensar border post near Melilla to demand the reopening of the border, recalls Publico, specifying that the movement was supported by the Coalition for Melilla (CPM) party through a post on its official Twitter account. "The people of Melilla have been waiting for this moment for years and it should not take any longer unnecessarily," the party posted.

To read: Spain Anticipates Reopening of Moroccan Borders with Ceuta and Melilla Enclaves

The government delegation in Melilla said on Wednesday that no date has yet been set for the reopening of the border, in order to cut short the rumors circulating on social networks. For the regional president of the Popular Party (PP), Juan José Imbroda, there is "a kind of total uncertainty about the reopening of the border crossings," especially since the work in progress at the border posts has not yet been completed.

To read: Melilla Border Tensions Rise as Spain Resists Pressure to Reopen Crossings

The citizens of Melilla have called for a new "peaceful gathering" in front of the delegation headquarters on Saturday, April 23, to demand the reopening of the border. The government delegate, Sabrina Moh, has already warned the protesters that she will not give in to pressure and threats, stressing that the Spanish government respects the joint roadmap with Morocco and will look after the general interest.