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Spain's PM denies Morocco's role in Ceuta border breach
Confirmed
In Short: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has stated that Madrid has found no evidence that Morocco orchestrated the recent border crossing into Ceuta.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has denied that Morocco was behind the recent border breach into Ceuta, stating that Madrid has found no evidence of such orchestration. Sanchez assured parliament that no institution, including the European Commission, has provided solid evidence of Morocco's involvement.
In a statement to parliament, Sanchez also defended Rabat after a police report claimed that border forces helped 70,000 people cross into Ceuta. He summoned Morocco's ambassador on August 21 due to 'unacceptable statements' made by two Moroccan ministers regarding Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish territory in North Africa.
Despite the denial, Sanchez pointed out that the per capita income of Ceuta is eight times that of Morocco, suggesting that the issue is not just about border security but also about the living conditions and opportunities in the region. He also mentioned that even with a high wall, people would still attempt to cross the border to improve their lives.
The incident has drawn criticism from countries like Italy and Denmark, prompting Sanchez to emphasize the principle of solidarity, which he believes should apply to Ceuta as much as it does to other territories like Greenland and Lampedusa.
Background
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Europe and the fourth-most populous European Union (EU) member state.
What's confirmed
- “I can assure you that no institution – not the diplomatic service nor the European Commission nor any international body – has provided the Spanish government with any solid evidence that Morocco planned or carried…
What's still developing
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says Madrid has found no evidence that Morocco orchestrated a surge of 70,000 people who crossed into its North African enclave of Ceuta a month ago.
- Pedro Sánchez continues to defend Rabat after police report claiming border forces helped 70,000 cross border Pedro Sánchez continues to defend Rabat after police report claiming border forces helped 70,000 cross…
- But he said on Thursday that Spain had summoned Morocco’s ambassador on 21 August because of “unacceptable statements” made by two ministers over Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish north African territory.
- He did not single out any countries by name but, in a pointed passage apparently aimed at Italy and Denmark, the two countries that had led public criticism of Spain, said the principle of solidarity should apply to…
- However, as Sánchez told parliament, the per capita income of Ceuta is eight times that of Morocco and “even if we build a wall 100 metres high there will still be people prepared to throw themselves into the sea to…