1. Antigua.news
  2. /
  3. World
  4. /
  5. Morocco’s action in migrant...
 

Morocco’s action in migrant crisis was unacceptable, Spanish PM says

1 June 2021 - 09:22

Morocco’s action in migrant crisis was unacceptable, Spanish PM says

1 June 2021 - 09:22

MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described Morocco’s actions during a crisis two weeks ago when thousands of would-be migrants crossed into Spain’s north African enclave of Ceuta as unacceptable and an assault on national borders.

Asked at a news conference on Monday about comments by the Moroccan foreign minister, who linked the migrant crisis to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, Sanchez said:

“It is not acceptable for a government to say that we will attack the borders, that we will open up the borders to let in 10,000 migrants in less than 48 hours … because of foreign policy disagreements.”

Two weeks ago, thousands of people swam around the border or scaled the fence separating Ceuta from Morocco over two days after Moroccan security forces appeared to loosen border controls.

Most were immediately returned to Morocco but hundreds of unaccompanied minors, who cannot be deported under Spanish law, remain.

The influx was widely seen as retaliation for Spain’s decision to take in Brahim Ghali, head of the Western Sahara Polisario independence group, for medical treatment.

For decades, Polisario has fought for independence for the territory, where Spain was colonial ruler until 1975.

Describing Spain as Morocco’s best ally in the European Union, Sanchez said he wanted to convey a constructive attitude towards Rabat but insisted that border security was paramount.

“Remember that neighbourliness … must be based on respect and confidence,” he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives at the second day of a special EU summit in Brussels, Belgium May 25, 2021. Olivier Hoslet/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

 

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Emma Pinedo, Editing by Nathan Allen)

About The Author
<a href="https://antigua.news/author/editorial-satff/" target="_self">Editorial Staff</a>

Editorial Staff

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication. Contact: [email protected]

0 Comments

About The Author
<a href="https://antigua.news/author/editorial-satff/" target="_self">Editorial Staff</a>

Editorial Staff

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication. Contact: [email protected]

0 Comments

Antigua News - Breaking stories that captivate
Privacy summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful. More information in Privacy Policy