“The Kingdom of Morocco refuses to be used as a pre-electoral political pawn, nor will it accept being the scapegoat in political score-settling” in Spain, warned the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
Read more At least four arrested at the gathering of the pro-independence left against Aliança Catalana
Rabat expressed itself in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on relations with Spain in which it regrets that “some Spanish political and media circles persist in exploiting the Kingdom for internal political purposes.”
“It is particularly regrettable that long-standing political parties, despite their extensive experience in government, have fallen into this quagmire where irrational and populist escalation prevails over common sense,” it adds.
Morocco also considers it “regrettable that prestigious legislative and judicial institutions make mistakes through misguided initiatives that generate discord.”
“These missteps, where discernment is overshadowed by excessive simplification and objective analysis by accusatory rhetoric, feed a strategy of fear harmful to all,” it warns.
The “regrettable events” of July
The statement highlights the good relations achieved with Madrid following the 2022 joint declaration, based on principles of “mutual respect, mutual trust, continuous dialogue,” which resulted in “tangible outcomes,” both economic and in terms of security and migration.
“Cooperation on migration has always been coordinated and effective. The regrettable events of last July undoubtedly require a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances, identify any interference, expose any manipulation and, above all, ensure they do not happen again,” the text continues, which does not specifically mention the mass crossing into Ceuta.
Consequences of a “strategic blindness”
“Today, setting aside all controversy and rhetoric, common sense and truthful dialogue demand direct questions: Why continue making accusations against Morocco when there is no evidence, facts or reports proving the involvement of Moroccan authorities?” it asks.
Read more Industry assures that the entry into Seat’s capital «is not on the table»
“Why are illegal immigrants not returned, despite the Moroccan government having officially committed to readmitting them? Why are unaccompanied minors kept away from their families, when Morocco has urgently requested their return?” asks the Ministry, emphasizing that the response lies with “the competent Spanish authorities.”
“Geographical proximity is an immutable reality. It is political leaders who, with courage and vision, turn it into an advantage for the future,” the Ministry stresses.
“Strategic blindness, on the contrary, will turn this advantage into a source of chronic distrust and recurring tensions,” concludes the department headed by Nasser Bourita in its first official reaction following the mass crossing into Ceuta that has led to a humanitarian crisis and tensions with Madrid.
During the past July 30 and 31, between 70,000 and 80,000 crossed irregularly from Morocco to the Spanish city, mostly by swimming, resulting in at least 141 deaths, according to estimates by civil organizations. The vast majority returned in the following days, but a few thousand remain in Ceuta.
The statement coincides with the publication of documents declassified by the Spanish Government and was made public through the official MAP agency shortly after the approval, in the Spanish Congress, of the law granting nationality to Sahrawis born during the Spanish colonial period.
Rabat has not officially commented on this law which, according to Sahrawi estimates, could affect between 80,000 and 120,000 people.
Local media close to the Moroccan officialdom pointed out this Thursday the impact the initiative could have on bilateral relations.
Read more Cristóbal Colón dies, founder and soul of La Fageda
