Spain rejects discussing sovereignty of enclaves with Morocco

The status of the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories is not up for discussion, Spanish officials said on Wednesday, after Morocco's justice minister reiterated Rabat's sovereignty claims over the cities.

The Spanish government has largely praised Moroccan authorities for their cooperation in repatriating the migrants, blaming the crisis on people-smuggling mafias.

Last week, Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego said Madrid would evaluate Morocco's offer to repatriate the children on a case-by-case basis.