The Royal Palace of Spain has announced that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Sebta and Melilla on October 13. This trip marks the first visit by a Spanish monarch to these territories since 2007, when King Juan Carlos visited, sparking a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat. The Moroccan government had recalled its ambassador, and protests were held in several cities across the kingdom.
The Moroccan government considers Sebta and Melilla to be integral parts of its national territory and claims sovereignty over them. However, this issue has been kept separate from the bilateral agenda between the two countries. The visit has sparked controversy, with Yahya Yahya, president of the Committee for the Liberation of Sebta, Melilla, and surrounding islands, calling it a "visit of shame" and an escalation maneuver.
Yahya Yahya has called for peaceful gatherings in the regions facing the presidios on October 13 and 14 to express attachment to the territorial integrity of the kingdom. So far, there has been no official reaction from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The announcement comes at a time of strained bilateral relations due to the migration crisis, with over 10,000 people present in Sebta since the influx on July 30 and 31.
The Spanish government is preparing a decree-law to shorten deportation procedures, and a report by Amnesty International has been submitted to the Spanish judiciary, accusing Spanish military personnel of violence against migrants. French President Emmanuel Macron, on a state visit to Madrid, expressed his support for Spain on this issue on Wednesday.
The visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia is seen as a significant move by Spain, given the current tensions between the two countries. Morocco has been critical of Spain's handling of the migration crisis, and the visit may be perceived as a provocation. The Spanish government has not commented on the potential implications of the visit.
The relationship between Morocco and Spain has been strained in recent months, with both countries seeking to assert their positions on the migration crisis and territorial disputes. The visit by the Spanish royal couple will likely be closely watched by both countries and may have significant implications for their bilateral relations.
The controversy surrounding the visit highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the relationship between Morocco and Spain. Both countries will need to navigate these tensions carefully to avoid further escalation and work towards a resolution that respects the interests of both parties.
Key points
- The visit marks the first time a Spanish monarch has visited Sebta and Melilla since 2007.
- The Moroccan government considers Sebta and Melilla to be integral parts of its national territory.
- The visit has sparked controversy and protests, with calls for peaceful gatherings in the regions facing the presidios.
