The Minister of Public Works and Water of Morocco, Nizar Baraka, has reaffirmed Rabat's claim over Ceuta and has assured that his country is not willing to renounce its territorial claims. His statements come at a time of special tension with Spain following the massive entry of migrants into the autonomous city at the end of July.
Baraka, who is also the Secretary General of the Istiqlal party, has defended at the same time that Spain is an "essential partner" for Morocco, but has made it clear that this relationship does not change the position of Rabat on Ceuta. "We will not retreat a single inch of our national territory," he stated during a rally of his party.
Baraka's words add to other statements made in recent weeks by Moroccan government officials regarding Ceuta and Melilla. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tufiq, recently referred to the "liberation" of both cities at an event held in the presence of King Mohamed VI.
Sánchez claims the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla
The statements of the Moroccan minister were made on the same day that the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appeared in Congress to explain the management of the Ceuta crisis.
Sánchez defended the need to maintain a "good neighbor policy with Morocco," but at the same time placed the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla among the issues that Spain will defend "always." The president also called for caution in the relationship with Rabat while investigations into what happened at the border continue.
During his appearance, Sánchez also revealed that the Spanish Government had summoned the Moroccan ambassador, Karima Benyaich, on August 21, after the crisis recorded in the autonomous city.