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Morocco proposes sovereignty dialogue over Ceuta and Melilla; Spain rejects request
Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has formally proposed the creation of a bilateral dialogue commission with Spain to negotiate the future of Ceuta and Melilla. Ouahbi asserted that Morocco holds a historical and geographical right to these territories, which he described as a matter that cannot remain unaddressed in bilateral relations.
Spain has categorically rejected this proposal. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Ceuta and Melilla are inalienable parts of Spanish national sovereignty and constitute the border of the European Union. Spanish authorities emphasized that the status of these cities is not subject to negotiation.
In addition to sovereignty claims, Morocco is calling for a more comprehensive approach to migration management. This includes requests for Spain to cooperate in the repatriation of both surviving migrants and the remains of those who died during recent border crossings. Ouahbi noted that Morocco is prepared to provide transportation for the return of deceased migrants but requires medical records and identification from Spain to ensure proper procedures are followed. This follows a significant migration event in late July that resulted in dozens of deaths and a large influx of people into Ceuta.
Entities
Abdellatif Ouahbi · Ceuta · Melilla · Morocco · Morocco · Spain · Spain
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla is a historical and geographical right dating back to its 1956 independence. ciudadbqto.com · elburgado.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Morocco is willing to repatriate Moroccan minors and migrants from Ceuta provided proper procedures and documentation are established. ciudadbqto.com · www.todoalicante.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] Morocco requires medical records and identity documentation from Spain before accepting the remains of deceased migrants. www.todoalicante.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Moroccan Justice Minister criticized the reliance on purely security-based measures to manage migration.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi called for a bilateral dialogue table to negotiate the future of Ceuta and Melilla. ciudadbqto.com · elburgado.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Spain rejected the Moroccan proposal, stating Ceuta and Melilla are inalienable parts of its national sovereignty and the EU border. ciudadbqto.com · elburgado.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Spain identified 82 victims following a mass arrival of migrants at the Ceuta border in late July. www.todoalicante.es