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| Africa North | |
| Morocco steps up claims to Spanish enclaves: reports | |
| 2008-07-12 | |
| Could be classified WoT, year 500+ Morocco continued to press its claims over the disputed Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla during Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's visit this week, Spanish newspapers reported Saturday. El Mundo said Morocco had hardened its position over the two enclaves on Morocco's northern coast, which have been a source of friction between the two countries. It cited a senior Spanish diplomatic source as saying the subject was raised during Friday's talks between Zapatero and his Moroccan counterpart Abbas El Fassi. "We have the right to get Ceuta and Melilla back and I told Mr Zapatero that," El Mundo and another newspaper, ABC, quoted El Fassi as telling the Moroccan media. Rabat considers Ceuta and Melilla, held by Spain since 1580 and 1496, to be "occupied." Madrid refuses any discussion on the subject. Don't forget al-Andalus. Kufr occupied since 1492.
Chances of a Re-Reconquista looking up! A low point in Spanish-Moroccan relations was a dispute in 2002 when Spanish troops expelled a group of Moroccan soldiers from the disputed Mediterranean island of Perjil. Tensions simmered again in November 2007 when Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia visited Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco recalled its ambassador to Spain in protest after the royal visit was announced. The ambassador returned to his post in January. Spain is Morocco's most important trading partner after France. | |
| Posted by:ed |
| #2 I left out the key point. A claim on land the Spainish have owned since the 15th Century. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2008-07-12 20:32 |
| #1 The nation of Spain existed well before the concept of Morocco... so how can they have a claim? |
| Posted by: 3dc 2008-07-12 20:31 |