Spain on Wednesday rejected any challenge to its sovereignty over the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, saying their status as Spanish territories was not up for discussion after Morocco’s justice minister reiterated Rabat’s claims to the cities.
Tuesday's remarks by Abdellatif Ouahbi to Asharq TV marked the first time Rabat has publicly raised the contentious issue since Ceuta's border crisis in late July, during which an estimated 72,000 migrants briefly crossed into the enclave. At least 96 people died in the mass border rush.
Ouahbi said his country always raised the issue of the cities' status in negotiations with Spain, with a long-term goal of achieving a resolution through dialogue.
Since its independence in 1956, Morocco has regarded Ceuta and Melilla as occupied by Spain, arguing sovereignty over them should ultimately be transferred to Rabat.
Madrid considers them integral parts of its territory since the 17th and 15th centuries, respectively.
