The United States said it fully supports Spain’s sovereignty over the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, while accusing the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of failing to protect the borders from a mass influx of migrants. Politico reports, UNN writes.
Details
The statement came after tens of thousands of migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco last week, raising concerns about the security of the Spanish exclave. The United States also rejected suggestions that Washington had changed its position on the status of Ceuta and Melilla.
The United States unequivocally supports Spain’s sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla
Washington blamed Madrid for the crisis
The State Department said that the current migration crisis was caused by the inability of the Spanish authorities to properly protect their borders. According to Pigott, claims that the United States is questioning Spanish sovereignty over the exclaves are an attempt to divert attention from the real problem.
He also called on Spain to take all necessary measures to restore control over the border and remove illegal migrants. According to Politico, about 72,000 illegal migrants arrived in Ceuta last week alone.