Spain responds to US calls for the decolonization of Ceuta and Melilla

The Spanish government has responded to calls from the United States in support of Moroccan sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. On Tuesday, the Spanish Foreign Minister described as «absurd» the claims that Morocco is seeking to «decolonize Ceuta and Melilla with the support of the United States». José Manuel Albares was addressing a question posed by an Iberian media outlet.

In recent weeks, the issue of the decolonization of Ceuta and Melilla has found supporters in the United States. After Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon adviser, Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, a close associate of Marco Rubio, also defended the Moroccanness of the two cities. These positions come amid tensions between President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, particularly regarding the conflict in Iran.

For its part, Morocco has never recognized Spanish «sovereignty» over these two enclaves, which it considers «occupied». The kingdom has been advocating for a diplomatic resolution to this issue for several decades. This is evidenced by initiatives undertaken by King Hassan II in 1987 and 1994, and later by King Mohammed VI in 2002.