Why does Spain keep Ceuta and Melilla?
For centuries, Ceuta and Melilla were vital port cities, offering protection for Spanish ships and acting as trading posts between Europe and Africa. In the 1930s, Spanish troops garrisoned in the two cities played a major role in future dictator Francisco Franco’s uprising against their government.
Why does Spain still have Ceuta?
When Spain recognized the independence of Spanish Morocco in 1956, Ceuta and the other plazas de soberanía remained under Spanish rule. Spain considered them integral parts of the Spanish state, but Morocco has disputed this point. Culturally, modern Ceuta is part of the Spanish region of Andalusia.
Are Ceuta and Melilla colonies?
“[Ceuta and Melilla] have never been colonies and are not now.”
Why is Ceuta different to Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is considered a “non-self-governing territory” by the United Nations, and thus is subject to decolonisation, while Ceuta and Melilla are not included on the list of the United Nations non-self-governing territories.
Which is bigger Melilla and Ceuta?
Ceuta and its larger sister city Melilla, situated some 250 miles further south along the coast, trace their Spanish past to the 15th century. Coveted by Morocco, they have long been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations with Spain.
Does Morocco claim Ceuta and Melilla?
“Under international law, Morocco doesn’t have strong claims to Ceuta and Melilla, which have been Spanish for hundreds of years. There are significant legal and political barriers to any change in status of those territories in favour of Morocco,” writes Dr Jamie Trinidad of Cambridge University in the UK.
What is Melilla known for?
Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936, thus helping precipitate the Spanish Civil War. Melilla was retained by Spain as an exclave when Morocco attained independence in 1956.
¿Qué dice el primer ministro de Marruecos sobre Ceuta y Melilla?
El primer ministro de Marruecos, Saadedine El Othmani, cree que Ceuta y Melilla “son marroquíes como el Sáhara” y que llegará el momento de “reabrir” el debate acerca de la soberanía de las dos ciudades autónomas de España en el continente africano.
¿Cuándo fue el Acuerdo de Ceuta y Melilla?
El 27 de noviembre de 1912 se produce un acuerdo relevante para entender las aspiraciones de Marruecos respecto a los territorios de Ceuta y Melilla.
¿Qué pasó con Ceuta y Melilla?
Mediante el Tratado de Wad-Ras, Ceuta y Melilla eran ampliadas a perpetuidad por España, además de firmarse el cese de las incursiones de Marruecos en la zona. El 27 de noviembre de 1912 se produce un acuerdo relevante para entender las aspiraciones de Marruecos respecto a los territorios de Ceuta y Melilla.
¿Por qué los reyes de España van a visitar Ceuta y Melilla?
Los Reyes de España van a visitar Ceuta y Melilla, esas dos plazas españolas en el norte de África. Es una visita histórica. Hace mucho tiempo que unos reyes españoles no pisan esas ciudades. ¿Por qué? Por no molestar a Marruecos. Los marroquíes dicen que Ceuta y Melilla son “ciudades expoliadas” a Marruecos. Pero eso es absolutamente falso.