Spanish Newspaper Challenges Morocco’s Commitment to Ceuta and Melilla Sovereignty

The government of Pedro Sanchez is mistaken if it thinks that Morocco will renounce its annexationist desires on Ceuta and Melilla, argues Ok Diario, specifying that Morocco has given no guarantee of respect for Spanish sovereignty over the two autonomous cities. For the newspaper, Morocco will continue its roadmap for Ceuta and Melilla, revealed by the former head of government, Saâd-Eddine El Othmani, in an interview with the Moroccan newspaper Acharq Al Awsat on December 19, 2020. "This issue will be opened one day. We must first settle the Sahara issue. This is the priority for the moment," he had declared.

To read: Spain Demands Ceuta and Melilla Protection in Morocco Talks on Western Sahara

Sticking to these statements by El Othmani, the newspaper notes that Morocco has just achieved its first objective, namely Spain’s support for the autonomy plan it considers the "most credible, sustainable" solution to the conflict. The Spanish government, for its part, believes that this agreement with Morocco opens "a new stage" in the relationship between the two countries, which will be "based on mutual respect, respect for agreements, the absence of unilateral actions, transparency and permanent communication" and will guarantee "the stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity" of the two countries.

President Pedro Sanchez is expected in Ceuta and Melilla this Wednesday. Perhaps he will announce good news, like the reopening of the borders, to the inhabitants of the two autonomous cities.