Morocco had “decisive role by action or omission” in the migration crisis

Na press conference in the European Parliament in Brussels during a visit to the European institutions, Juan Jesús Vivas considered that the migration crisis that took place in Ceuta in July “was only possible thanks to Morocco’s participation or consent”.

“ And I make this statement, which I think is very serious, because it means absolutely incorrect behaviour and lack of respect not only for Ceuta, for Spain, but also for the European Union.”, declared.

The mayor of Ceuta, of the People’s Party (PP, right, in opposition) said he held Morocco responsible for the entry of thousands of immigrants into the city in July based on “three objective facts”.

“The first is because it is impossible for there to be a movement of 80,000 people without the Moroccan authorities knowing. The second is because there are reports from the Spanish police that show, with images, that Moroccan agents were guiding people to the border ", said.

And the third is that it is not “the first time that Morocco” resorts to “border control and migratory pressure to destabilize” Ceuta and Melilla, he said.

“Morocco had, by action or omission, a decisive role, a decisive role, in the invasion of the 30th and 31st of July”, reinforced Juan Jesús Vivas, who accused Morocco of “maintaining a constant policy of hostility” and of “harassing and trying to destroy” the two Spanish territories in North Africa: Ceuta and Melilla.

“I am no longer young and since I was a child I have seen Morocco maintain a hostile attitude and try to strangle our societies economically,” he said, considering that Morocco “was able to bring down the morale of the citizens of Ceuta”.

“ Ceuta is today a different city than it was on July 29. The Ceutians lost their calm, their joy, they had to change their life habits. Today they are living in a high-risk situation in terms of security, the functioning of services, coexistence... Ceuta is a pressure cooker that can burst at any time,” he said.

In this context, the mayor of Ceuta argued that the EU should show that it is not available to agree to cooperate with a country that does not respect the sovereignty of European borders, referring to Morocco.

“ A strong response from Europe is needed by sending Morocco that, if you want a policy of fruitful and beneficial cooperation, there must be respect. And respect begins by respecting our borders and our territorial integrity”, he said.

The mayor also called for the EU to create a “special status” for Ceuta and Melilla, which could be similar to that of the outermost regions, and for a “more expressive and visible presence” of Frontex agents and the European Asylum Agency in both territories.

“ And we also ask for more financial support to carry out infrastructure works at the borders and to help in the urgent humanitarian response that was caused by the invasion, particularly with regard to unaccompanied minors,” he said, considering this to be a Spanish and European issue.

Asked about why he considers that the Spanish Government refuses to hold the Moroccan authorities responsible for the migration crisis, contrary to what he himself does, the mayor said it is up to the executive to justify himself, but considered that his opinion is “shared by the majority of the Spanish population”.

“ I think the government was not up to what its constitutional powers required either before, during, or after the invasion”, he said.

On 30 and 31 July, at least 72,000 people from Morocco illegally entered the Spanish enclave.