​Madrid, Aug 22 (EFE).- The Spanish government conveyed to Morocco on Friday its “categorical rejection” of that country’s claims to the autonomous Spanish cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla. The rejection was confirmed by sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hours after Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi reaffirmed that Ceuta and Melilla constitute a “historical and geographical right” of Morocco and called for the creation of a mechanism for dialogue with Spain to address their future and achieve their “return to the bosom of the motherland.” In an interview with the Moroccan public broadcaster 2M, Ouahbi advocated for establishing “channels of dialogue” with Madrid, including the creation of a “dialogue commission.” Following these statements, the Ministry headed by José Manuel Albares noted in a statement sent to the media that “Ceuta and Melilla are two Spanish cities that serve as borders for Spain and the EU. They form part of Spain’s internationally recognized territorial integrity and sovereignty and are also an integral part of the territory of the EU.” “We categorically reject and will continue to reject any different approach regarding Ceuta and Melilla,” the statement adds, concluding by asserting that “this position has been clearly conveyed today through diplomatic channels.” EFE nac/mcd