Spain PM enclave visit 'untimely'

Mr Zapatero received a warm reception at a migrants centre

Spain's prime minister has continued his tour of the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla amid claims from Morocco that the visit is "untimely".

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero met immigrants in the enclaves, which have struggled to cope with attempts by African migrants to enter illegally.

Mr Zapatero is the first Spanish leader in 25 years to visit the enclaves, which are both claimed by Morocco.

He said the visit was to show his commitment to Spanish citizens there.

Some Spanish media point out that he has not referred to Morocco's reported view of his trip.

But he did say that Spanish citizens in Ceuta and Melilla, which have been under Spanish rule for more than 500 years, had the same rights as those on mainland Spain. The visit is intended to be seen as a show of support for the cities and reassurance from Spain.

The prime minister also called for closer relations between cultures and religions.

Close neighbours

Relations between Spain and Morocco have improved in recent years - with the two countries working together to combat terrorism and illegal immigration. Mr Zapatero insists they are still "excellent".

The Moroccan ambassador in Madrid Omar Azziman said the visit was "untimely" in light of the positive relations the countries have enjoyed.

Enclaves' profile

He added, however, that the trip would not prevent them remaining that way.

Moroccan Communications Minister Nabil Ben Abdallah told Reuters news agency: "It changes nothing on the issue that the two enclaves are Moroccan."

The Spanish conservative opposition criticised Mr Zapatero for not reasserting Spain's claim to the territories during his visit and for meeting immigrants - some of whom may have entered illegally.

Popular Party senator Dionisio Garcia Carnero said the trip gave "more fuel" to the image of Spain as somewhere that would take in illegal migrants and solve their problems.

The territories are seen as stepping stones into Europe. Thousands of migrants attempt to storm razor-wire border fences and enter the enclaves from Morocco every year in a bid to enter Spanish territory.

Such attempts last year culminated in the deaths of several migrants following clashes with Spanish and Moroccan police.