Spain says the meeting is an opportunity to open a ‘new stage’ in ties with Morocco-based on ‘mutual respect’ and ‘avoid future crises’. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to meet Moroccan King Mohammed VI during a two-day visit to Rabat that seeks to mark an easing of diplomatic …
Read More »Algeria recalls ambassador to Morocco in row over Western Sahara
The Algerian foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Morocco on Sunday and hinted at possible further measures in the latest flare-up of tension between the North African neighbors over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. The move was linked to comments from the Moroccan envoy to the United Nations on …
Read More »Dozens of migrants cross border from Morocco into Spain’s Melilla enclave
Dozens of migrants scaled a fence and crossed the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Monday, just weeks after a similar crisis that saw thousands cross the frontier and clash with security. Migrants routinely try to enter Melilla and Ceuta, Spanish territories near the Moroccan border …
Read More »Spain considers including Ceuta, Melilla fully in Schengen area
Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Tuesday her government is considering including Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s enclaves in North Africa, fully in Europe’s passport-free Schengen area. Currently, Moroccans from the towns surrounding the enclaves can enter without a visa but need one to travel by sea or air …
Read More »Western Sahara independence leader returns to Algeria amid Spain-Morocco row
The leader of the Western Sahara independence movement, Brahim Ghali, returned to Algeria on Wednesday after spending more than a month in hospital in Spain – a stay which triggered a diplomatic row between Spain and Morocco. “He arrived safe and sound,” said Jalil Mohamed, the Polisario Front’s spokesman in …
Read More »Spanish court rejects custody for Western Sahara independence leader
Spain’s High Court on Tuesday turned down a request for Western Sahara independence leader Brahim Ghali to be taken into custody, saying the plaintiffs in a war crimes case against him had failed to provide evidence he had committed any crime. Ghali’s presence in Spain has infuriated Morocco, which says …
Read More »Morocco urges Spain to open investigation into Polisario chief
Morocco on Saturday urged Spain to open an investigation into the circumstances of a Western Sahara independence leader’s arrival in the country for medical treatment and explain its findings to Rabat. Madrid should explain “the conditions, circumstances, and connivances that led to the fraudulent entry of this person using false …
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