Ceuta and Melilla: Spain’s firm response to Morocco
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Sebta for Moroccans, or Ceuta for Spaniards, forms with Melilla two enclaves located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. These two Spanish cities are at the center of a latent conflict between Morocco and Spain.
The return of the sovereignty debate over the two enclaves took place at an event organized by the Istiqlal party. Ennam Mayara, President of the House of Councillors, intervened in the context of a debate on relations between Morocco and Spain, after a year of reconciliation and the adoption of a new roadmap. He underlined “the Moroccan character” of the two cities and pleaded for “an end to colonization” by activating a negotiated political solution without resorting to arms. He also stressed that Ceuta and Melilla “will not be blackmailed”.
The Spanish government reacted to these declarations with firmness. The two cities are “Spanish like Zamora or Palencia and there is nothing more to discuss on this subject”, affirmed the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, on April 10. “The position of the Spanish government is clear and firm and there is no possibility of debate on this subject”, further specified this official.
