In a step that may be pivotal in terms of economic relations between Morocco and Spain, Morocco was able to impose its control over the commercial customs file between the two countries, as reports indicate that Rabat succeeded in achieving an agreement that sets strict conditions on the movement of goods through the occupied Melilla customs.
In this context, new details were revealed regarding the commercial process across this border point, which has long been the focus of controversy and tensions between the two neighbors.
According to what was revealed by the newspaper “Alvaro de Melilla,” Morocco will work to export some products to Melilla, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and raw materials, and in return will allow the passage of some products that will be determined by the Moroccan authorities according to standards that have not been disclosed, while excluding the passenger system in the first stage. .
The same source explained that commercial authorities expressed their surprise at the measure taken to allow the passage of Moroccan agricultural products without being subject to the usual supervisory procedures, despite the availability of the “PIF” system at the port.
The Spanish newspaper indicated that Morocco will implement strict restrictions on traffic through the Beni Ansar crossing, where the passage of travelers and their personal belongings will be prohibited, while imports will be limited to a specific list of goods that Morocco considers important.
Many businessmen expressed their dissatisfaction with the new measures, noting that Morocco has implemented a customs agreement that conflicts with the regional conditions it previously defended, despite its commitments to reopen Melilla’s commercial customs in 2022.
According to Alvaro de Melilla, Morocco, despite repeated assurances about reopening commercial customs with occupied Melilla, insists on restricting trade through the crossing to include only locally manufactured products, and to justify this approach, the excuse of the existence of “technical issues” that hinder Implementing previous agreements, which raises questions about the seriousness of Moroccan intentions in this regard, according to the same source.
The report indicated that the Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, confirmed a year ago that the crossings would be reopened, by applying “a common formula that translates into based on what has been learned from previous experiences,” while the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albarez, responded by saying: “From our side, everything is ready to go into operation, no need for further pilot testing.”
The same source recorded that about two years ago, questions began to be raised about Rabat’s position, as it was considered that Morocco would work to put forward an idea requiring Morocco to set a condition for the passage of manufactured goods and products only in Melilla, according to what was confirmed by the head of the People’s Party in Melilla, Juan Jose Embroda.
He added: “There is discussion about allowing the passage of only goods produced in the city, and this is unacceptable because it will lead to isolated divisions,” stressing that he does not understand why “a person from Barcelona is not allowed to pass his fabrics through commercial customs in Melilla, which makes the decision horrific.” “.
He continued by saying: “Placing restrictions on what can be exported to Morocco through these customs and what cannot be exported greatly harms the city’s interests,” noting that in September 2022, his position was that “this condition should be rejected,” and he even saw that “It is better that there are no commercial customs at all,” he said, adding: “I would rather have no commercial customs than accept what is said about allowing the passage of only products manufactured in Melilla,” he said at the time. Ex.
