I don't think this comparison is fair: - The nation of Morocco did not exist when Ceuta and Melilla became Portuguese and Spanish respectively, so I assume the

I don't think this comparison is fair: - The nation of Morocco did not exist when Ceuta and Melilla became Portuguese and Spanish respectively, so I assume the only claim Morocco could have would be based on territorial integrity. They were also never part of the Spanish protectorate in Morocco, and are not recognised by the United Nations as colonies. - On the other hand, Gibraltar has been classified by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory subject to decolonisation. Furthermore, it considers Gibraltarians mere "settlers" and as such does not recognise their right to self-determination, and urges the governments of Spain and the UK to negotiate the decolonisation process between themselves. Whether the UN's position is correct or not is whole different matter, my point is that given the UN's point of view, Spain's position on Gibraltar and Ceuta/Melilla is not contradictory. Regarding the Canary Islands and "other African colonies", I'm not sure what you are referring to as the only inhabited territories Spain has in Africa are Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands, and as far as I know nobody is claiming the Canary Islands.