Moroccan Justice Minister Reiterates Claim to Ceuta and Melilla and Defends Moroccan Minors in Spain
Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Wahbi told Bloomberg TV's "Al Sharq" that Morocco will not give up its claim over Ceuta and Melilla and intends to regain them "with a long rope" through dialogue with Spain.
Minister's statements and file details
Wahbi said the demand to restore sovereignty over the two cities remains on the agenda of bilateral talks, emphasizing that "we hold on to our lands" and that Morocco constantly raises the issue with the Spanish government. He added that the kingdom's policy relies on "dealing with a long rope" to achieve the recovery and that Morocco will not become merely a human barrier for Europe.
The minister noted that the matter of Moroccan minors residing in Spain, including in Ceuta and Melilla, is not a new discussion; it dates back roughly two years. He confirmed there are no immediate talks between his ministry and Spanish authorities at present, but the issue will continue to be raised in all official meetings.
Regional and humanitarian context
The debate over Ceuta and Melilla has resurfaced amid regional tensions and concerns over irregular migration flows. The mayor of Ceuta, Juan José Vivas, reported that about ten thousand Moroccan migrants have entered the city recently, adding a humanitarian dimension to the dispute. The minister criticized European migration policies, claiming anti‑migration slogans clash with on‑ground realities.
In closing, Abdellatif Wahbi stressed that Morocco is not a tool for solving other states' demographic problems and will seek cooperation with Spain and the EU without becoming a guard for European borders.
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