Morocco
Morocco resumed sea travel for passengers to and from Spain this Tuesday. The Ministry for Transport made the announcement on Monday, just a few days after a state visit from Spanish Prime minister Pedro Sanchez.
The statement said shipping companies would resume their services between the Moroccan ports of Tangier ports and the Spanish ports of Algeciras and Terifa. The maritime connection was closed for two years.
Madrid ended its traditional position of neutrality and almost a year of crisis with its neighbour last March by pledging its support for Rabat's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The disputed territory is split between Morocco and fighters of the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria.
Madrid's moves infuriated the Polisario Front who decided to suspend its diplomatic ties with the country, last weekend.
While Rabat advocates an autonomous status under Moroccan sovereignty, the Polisario is asking for a referendum on self-determination.
By re-establishing relations with Morocco, Spain wishes to guarantee its "cooperation" in the control of illegal immigration coming throught Spain's enclave Ceuta bordering Morocco.
00:53
Algeria expels over 1,800 migrants to Niger in mass deportation
01:09
NGOs sue Spain for ignoring illegal fishing threat to African coasts
Go to video
Exhibition in Morocco explores a world of color
Go to video
The EU moves to fast-track asylum claims by migrants from 7 countries to speed deportation
00:50
Spain: human trafficking ring smuggling moroccans into europe dismantled
Go to video
French diplomats given 48-hour notice to leave Algeria