Morocco reportedly blocked on Wednesday The entry of two commercial vehicles from Spain at the border crossings of Ceuta and Melilla, according to El Faro de Ceuta.
A truck carrying hygiene products was turned back at Ceuta, while a van loaded with electronics and household items was denied entry at Melilla.
Both vehicles had undergone the necessary procedures on the Spanish side of the border, including customs checks and security clearances, before attempting to enter Moroccan territory.
The truck carrying merchandise that crossed the Tarajal border separating Ceuta from Morocco on Wednesday afternoon was denied entry by Moroccan customs authorities.
At 8:00 p.m., Moroccan officials reportedly said that the truck would not be allowed to proceed. According to El Faro de Ceuta’s sources, the truck was not even inspected.
The vehicle remained on the Moroccan side of the border throughout the afternoon until 8:00 p.m., when the driver was informed that entry was denied. He was subsequently returned to Ceuta with the cargo of personal hygiene products.
Reports suggest that the two vehicles were held at the Moroccan border crossings for several hours before being informed that they would not be allowed to proceed.
The reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, although speculation points to disagreements between Spanish and Moroccan authorities regarding the terms of the commercial reopening.
Sabrina Moh, the Spanish government’s delegate in Melilla, denied any official reopening of the commercial customs post, despite her presence during the operation. She said that the matter is still under negotiation between the Moroccan and Spanish governments.
The decision has left officials and observers perplexed, as both Spain and Morocco had been signaling their commitment to reopening the commercial crossings, which had been closed for several years due to political tensions.
The Spanish government had been particularly optimistic, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares expecting a smooth transition.
Morocco has imposed additional conditions on the commercial exchanges that Spain has been unwilling to accept. These conditions may relate to the types of goods allowed to cross the border, the frequency of crossings, or other administrative procedures.
The setback comes after months of diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between the two countries. The reopening of the commercial crossings was seen as a key step in this process, and its failure is a significant blow to the efforts of both governments.
Local authorities in Ceuta and Melilla have expressed disappointment and frustration at the development. They had been preparing for the reopening of the crossings and had hoped that it would boost the local economy.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.