Spanish Opposition Rejects Talks with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla Status

"There is nothing to negotiate on Ceuta and Melilla, which have been Spanish cities for more than five centuries and territories of the European Union," said Pablo Casado of the Popular Party (PP), denouncing the Spanish government’s option to "open a dialogue without taboos" with Morocco on the Sahara and on Ceuta and Melilla.

To read: Spanish Opposition Urges Swift Restoration of Morocco-Spain Relations

This dialogue is part of the normalization of relations with Morocco. But according to the opposition leader, "Spain should demand guarantees for Ceuta and Melilla" and also with regard to maritime borders, diplomatic sources tell El Español. Spain would be ready to backtrack on its position on the Sahara if the conditions on Ceuta and Melilla are guaranteed. But Morocco would also claim the Canary Islands waters, the same source informs.

To read: Morocco and Spain Mend Diplomatic Ties After Crisis

Relations between Spain and Morocco are gradually resuming on new bases. The two countries have expressed their willingness to restore ties. It remains now for Rabat to ask its ambassador, Karima Benyaich, to return to Madrid and prepare an official visit by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares.