AP News, November 2nd, 2007
Morocco announced it was recalling its ambassador from Spain in response to a planned visit to the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla by Spain's king and queen. A look at the history behind the dispute:
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? Spain's royal palace announced King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are to visit two Spanish enclaves on Morocco's Mediterranean coast that the North African kingdom calls "occupied territories." Morocco has long contested Spain's claim over Ceuta and Melilla and has appealed to Spain to discuss the issue. Spain insists the two cities — which have been under its control for more than four centuries — are unquestionably Spanish and has consistently ruled out any talks on their status. Morocco indefinitely recalled its ambassador from Spain for consultation in apparent protest over the two-day royal visit, which is slated to take place early next week.
WHERE ARE THESE ENCLAVES? Ceuta, a tiny peninsula in the western Mediterranean, is across the Straight of Gibraltar from mainland Spain. Melilla is about 185 miles east of Ceuta, near Morocco's border with Algeria.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Morocco didn't say how long the ambassador would remain home. In 2002, the two sides clashed after a handful of Moroccan gendarmes set up camp on Isla Perejil, or Parsley Island, a 0.58-square mile rocky outcrop off the Moroccan coast that Spain claims it has owned for centuries. Spanish troops swiftly dislodged the Moroccans without a shot being fired. Under a diplomatic resolution, both sides agreed to leave it as a no man's land.
