The vice-president of the new Moroccan Parliament, Adil El Bitar, reactivated the claim over Ceuta and Melilla this October 22, by defending Morocco's "legitimate rights" to claim sovereignty over both autonomous cities. His words came during the debate on the Government program of the coalition headed by Fatima Ezzara al Mansuri, as reported by Europa Press.
El Bitar, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), maintained, according to the media le360, that it is necessary to "continue with the national and diplomatic work" to complete Moroccan territorial unity. In that same intervention, he included Ceuta, Melilla, and the occupied Moroccan islands within that claim.
The leader clarified, however, that this position must be formulated "within the framework of a responsible national vision," supported by "historical and legal legitimacy" and dialogue. He also stressed that the path he defends involves "peaceful means", a formulation that does not alter the substance of the claim, but does delimit the political channel with which Rabat presents it.
The political gesture comes after the visit of Felipe VI and Letizia
El Bitar's statements come one week after the visit of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Ceuta and Melilla, the first of their reign. Unlike what happened in 2007, when Mohamed VI recalled his ambassador in Madrid for consultations after the trip of Juan Carlos I and Sofía, this time there has been no official reaction from Rabat.
The reappearance of this claim also adds to the allusions made by several Moroccan ministers after the massive entry of migrants into Ceuta at the end of August from the Alawi kingdom. For now, the episode has not led to a public institutional response, although it again leaves open a dispute that Morocco maintains in the diplomatic and symbolic arena.