Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi reiterated Morocco’s sovereignty over the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla in a recent interview with Morocco’s public broadcaster 2M on Friday.
Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco continues to uphold its historical and geographical rights over the two cities.
He noted that Morocco’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla remains a matter of dialogue between Rabat and Madrid, adding that establishing a dialogue framework or committee should stay on the table to keep discussions open and explore solutions for their future.
His remarks came nearly two weeks after he said that the Kingdom’s sovereignty over the two cities remains on the table, noting that Rabat continues to raise the issue whenever it meets with the Spanish side.
He stated that the kingdom is handling the issue with patience and seeking to resolve it through dialogue, remarks that prompted strong reactions from Spanish media and some officials.
Regarding the return of unaccompanied minors, the justice minister emphasized that the Kingdom “is ready to take them back,” adding that the issue concerns Morocco, Spain, and the EU and requires a joint, lasting solution rather than temporary measures.
He hopes the next rounds of talks will bring positive results, calling for deeper discussions and a common approach to resolve the issue.
“Diplomacy is about finding solutions, not managing crises,” Ouahbi stressed, noting that while Spain and the EU have their own considerations, Rabat’s priority is to reach a practical solution with all sides.
Morocco has already called for the return of Moroccan children and minors currently in Spain, including those who recently arrived in the occupied city of Ceuta and others staying in care centers.
The European Commission supports the returns, stressing that they are covered by EU law and are regulated by the EU Return Directive and, soon, the EU Return Regulation.
So far, there are around 2,168 migrant minors identified in Ceuta since July 30, according to Spanish national police.
But Spanish authorities are working to transfer around 500 girls from Ceuta to the Iberian Peninsula, despite initially saying that no migrants would be transferred to Spain.
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.