NATO secretary general says Spanish-colonized Moroccan towns are not under NATO coverage

The secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Javier Solana, said the two Moroccan northern towns of Sebta and Melilia, which are still under Spanish rule, do not fall within the competence of the organization.

In a live interview with the first Spanish television channel, Solana stated that the alliance could, however, bring its help in case of difficulty.

The outgoing NATO secretary general added that the Strait of Gibraltar will, henceforth, be placed under the NATO southwestern-sub regional command in Spain.

Solana will take this October 18 a position in the European Union as official in charge of foreign affairs and defense.