Spain Refuses to Discuss Sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco.

Spain has rejected any discussion over the sovereignty of its North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, following renewed claims by Morocco that the territories should belong to Rabat.

Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi said Morocco continues to raise the status of the two cities during negotiations with Spain, with the long-term goal of resolving the dispute through dialogue.

Spain, however, firmly dismissed the possibility of negotiating its territorial integrity. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Ceuta and Melilla were “super-Spanish” and warned that any attack on either city would be considered an attack on Spain as a whole.

The dispute resurfaced after a major border crisis in late July, when an estimated 72,000 migrants briefly crossed into Ceuta. At least 96 people died during the mass border rush.

Morocco has historically regarded Ceuta and Melilla as territories occupied by Spain and has called for their eventual transfer to Moroccan sovereignty. Spain considers both cities integral parts of its territory.

Spain's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country's territorial integrity “has not been, and will never be, discussed with anyone.”

Meanwhile, Morocco has increased security around the borders with Ceuta and Melilla following online calls for another mass crossing attempt on August 15. Moroccan authorities warned that organisers and participants could face prosecution.

The Spanish government has praised Morocco for cooperating in the repatriation of migrants while attributing the recent border crisis largely to people-smuggling networks.

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