Spain Urges US to Block Morocco Missile Deal, Citing Regional Stability Concerns

Suspend the sale of ten anti-ship "Harpoon" missiles to Morocco. This is the request addressed to the US Congress by the MEP, José Ramón Bauzá. It is through a letter sent to the spokespersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives in Washington that he expressed his intention. This transaction could pose a risk to Spain and undermine the stability of the Strait of Gibraltar, he justified. He also deplored that Morocco is taking advantage of the weakness of Pedro Sánchez’s government to protect its interests. The US Congress has 30 days to rule on the matter, informs Que.es..

Bauzá said the kingdom has increased its 2020 defense budget by more than 30% compared to 2019. He explains that in 2019, Morocco devoted 3% of its GDP to defense, compared to less than 1% for Spain. This is proof that the kingdom has been seriously intensifying arms purchases in recent years, which constitutes a threat to Spain.

For the MEP, Morocco wants to arrogate the right to control the waters of Spanish sovereignty. The legislation passed by the Moroccan parliament, which includes the waters belonging to the Canary Islands in the delimitation of its exclusive economic zone, is a perfect illustration of this. That is why Spain must not neglect its international interests, hammered José Ramón Bauzá, while calling for the maintenance of the strategic advantage of the Spanish armed forces.