Greece wishes political solution to Sebta-Mellilia issue

Greece on Wednesday voiced hope that Morocco and Spain would find a "political solution" to the issue of Sebta and Mellilia, two Moroccan northern cities still under Spanish rule.

"I hope that the two countries will find a solution" to the issue, Greek interior minister, Alexandros Papadopoulous said at a joint press conference with Moroccan peer, Driss Basri.

Morocco had proposed in the past the creation of a Moroccan-Spanish cell to ponder a peaceful solution to the issue of the two cities.

Morocco and Spain should show "great responsibility" to find a "convenient" settlement to the problem, the Greek minister said.

He recalled that his country has a "painful and very negative" experience on the implementation of the international law regarding the issue of Cyprus. He deplored the division of the island in 1974 "in contradiction of all international rules and norms."