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EC2003 MEDC
Relations between Spain and Morocco deteriorated after the departure of the Socialist government in Madrid, re-opening numerous old wounds. A brief but anxious confrontation in July 2002 had failed to resolve a longstanding quarrel over certain disputed territories in the Strait of Gibraltar, principally among them Leila (called Isla Perejil in Spain), Ceuta and Melilla. Morocco now claimed sovereignty over all three areas, declaring that Spain should be satisfied enough with its claim to the Canary Islands. In reply, Spain has renewed a permanent military presence at Ceuta that had not existed there since 1960, asserting not only its 400 year old territorial claim but also contending it had a "responsibility" to guard the region against illegal immigrants, smugglers and terrorists who might exploit the strategic value of the Strait of Gibraltar. NATO and the EU, pre-occupied with a host of their own problems, declared the matter a bilateral dispute and refused to intervene. The Arab League, however, already exasperated with perceived European insensitivities to Arab issues, pledged vigorous support for Morocco's claim. Notable among these advocates was Algeria. Relations between Morocco and Algeria had improved significantly after the two nations were able to reach an agreement regarding the Talsint oil field and the issue of Western Saharan separatism. The only question remaining was how far each of them was willing to go. (Released February 2006).