Spain Draws Red Line over Ceuta and Melilla

Spain ruled out any discussion of sovereignty over its North African cities after Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi reiterated his country’s territorial claims.

Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has considered Ceuta and Melilla to be territories occupied by Spain and has sought to resolve the dispute through dialogue. Spain, meanwhile, considers the two autonomous cities an integral part of its territory.

“Ceuta and Melilla are untouchable. They are thoroughly Spanish”, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said, responding to Ouahbi’s remarks.

The Spanish government has reiterated the same position, emphasizing that the country’s territorial integrity is not open to negotiation.

The tension follows the July migration crisis, during which approximately 72,000 people briefly entered Ceuta and at least 96 died.

Meanwhile, Morocco has stepped up security along the borders of both cities in response to online calls for another mass attempt to cross into Spanish territory on 15 August. Moroccan authorities have threatened organizers and participants with criminal prosecution.

(Reuters, bak)