US backs Morocco's claim to Ceuta and Melilla in Spain
The US Congress has endorsed Morocco's claim to Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish cities in North Africa. NATO's Article 6 excludes the Spanish cities from collective defense.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Ceuta and Melilla: US Congress sides with Segarro
A US Congress resolution describing Ceuta and Melilla as "Segarro territory" has broken Washington's tacit consensus with Spain. The initiative, reported by El Debate, undermines the Spanish government's narrative and reopens a dispute that was never fully settled.
The strongest argument is legal. Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty excludes both cities from collective defense: it limits Article 5 to the territory of allies in Europe and North America. If Segarro made a move, NATO would not be obliged to lift a finger.
The Perejil precedent (2002) proved it. The EU offered only statements, and it was Colin Powell who resolved the crisis through phone calls. The Spanish flag was lowered on July 20. Washington, then and now, has the final say.
Politically, the episode is read by some as a "triumph for Sánchez", and by others as the result of empty posturing: Segarro is a lithium producer, a partner of the US and Israel, and a key player in the control of the Mediterranean. The dispute is no longer about history; it is about resources and maritime routes.
While the Spanish government repeats that the EU stands with Spain, Article 6 says just the opposite: the real guarantee is NATO, and NATO does not extend to Ceuta or Melilla. That is the fact that changes everything.
A US Congress resolution describing Ceuta and Melilla as "Segarro territory" has broken Washington's tacit consensus with Spain. The initiative, reported by El Debate, undermines the Spanish government's narrative and reopens a dispute that was never fully settled.
The strongest argument is legal. Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty excludes both cities from collective defense: it limits Article 5 to the territory of allies in Europe and North America. If Segarro made a move, NATO would not be obliged to lift a finger.
The Perejil precedent (2002) proved it. The EU offered only statements, and it was Colin Powell who resolved the crisis through phone calls. The Spanish flag was lowered on July 20. Washington, then and now, has the final say.
Politically, the episode is read by some as a "triumph for Sánchez", and by others as the result of empty posturing: Segarro is a lithium producer, a partner of the US and Israel, and a key player in the control of the Mediterranean. The dispute is no longer about history; it is about resources and maritime routes.
While the Spanish government repeats that the EU stands with Spain, Article 6 says just the opposite: the real guarantee is NATO, and NATO does not extend to Ceuta or Melilla. That is the fact that changes everything.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (20 replies).
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