Ceuta And Melilla Warmly Receive the Spanish King and Queen

Even though it miffed the king of Morocco, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain visited the two Spanish towns of Ceuta and Melilla which are located in Moroccan territority on November 5th and 6th. The king was presented with a golden key by the city of Melilla and warmly welcomed by the citizens of both towns.

Before the restoration of the Spanish monarchy, Juan Carlos and Sofía had traveled to the disputed enclaves in the early 1970’s. It was in 1927 that the last Spanish monarch, Alfonso XIII, appeared in Ceuta and Melilla. Despite the long absence since his last call, Juan Carlos said, “I could wait no longer without coming to express our affection and support.”

Meanwhile, King Mohammed VI inveighed against the king's visit and counteracted with a rare statement. “We emphatically condemn and strongly denounce such an unprecedented visit, a counterproductive step that hurt the deep patriotic feelings of the whole Moroccan people.”