LOC21:57
18:57 GMT
(with photos)
MADRID, Nov 1, 2007 (AFP) -- The Moroccan government protested Thursday
against the visit Spain's King Juan Carlos planned to pay to the
Spanish-occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla off Morocco's northern coast.
The government deems the visit as regrettable whatever the motivations and
aims might be, Moroccan Minister of Communication and Government Spokesman
Khalid Naciri told reporters after a cabinet meeting here Thursday.
"Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi-Fihri has briefed the cabinet on news of the
visit that was carried by mass media during the last two days.
"The government can only express strong rejection and clear disapproval of
this regrettable visit, whatever the motivations and aims," Naciri reasserted.
Moroccan Prime Minister Abbas El-Fassi has recently said his government
would do its utmost to convince Spain of entering dialogue on the two cities
whose ownership has long been contested by Rabat.
Juan Carlos has reportedly said he planed to pay a visit - the first in
his 32-year reign - to Ceuta and Melilla next Monday. (end)
sf.mas.gb.
KUNA 012157 Nov 07NNNN