VOA常速英语2007年-Spain's King Juan Carlos Visits Spanish Enclave

By Lisa Bryant
Paris
05 November 2007

Spain's King Juan Carlos is paying his first royal visit to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, on the Moroccan coast. From France, Lisa Bryant reports what might appear an ordinary trip is mired¹ in controversy², because Morocco also claims ownership of the enclaves.

So unhappy is Morocco about the two-day visit of the Spanish king that it recalled its ambassador to Spain for an unspecified period of time. Rabat has long claimed Ceuta and Melilla as part of its territory, even though they have been under Spanish control for hundreds of years. The two enclaves have earned another reputation in recent years, as the destination for thousands of would-be African immigrants trying to reach Europe.

Moroccan government spokesman Khaid Naciri describes the royal visit as unfortunate.

In an interview with Radio France International radio, Naciri said although Rabat respects King Juan Carlos, there are certain lines that cannot be crossed. He says the facts backing up Morocco's ownership claim to the enclaves are solid.

Rabat was similarly unhappy when Spain's Socialist³ Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited the enclaves last year - the first official visit of a Spanish prime minister in two decades.

Relations between Spain and Morocco have improved since Zapatero came to power in 2004. So there is plenty of speculation⁴ about why the Spanish government is making these controversial trips. Some believe Mr. Zapatero is trying to show his patriotism⁵, four months before the country's legislative⁶ elections.

Residents of the enclaves,  which are little more than towns, are reported to be happy about the royal visit. The king and his wife, Queen Sofia, are to first visit Ceuta, before moving on to Melilla.

1 mired   

abbr.microreciprocal degree 迈尔德（色温单位）v.深陷( mire的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The country was mired in recession. 这个国家陷入了经济衰退的困境。
• The most brilliant leadership can be mired in detail. 最有才干的领导也会陷于拘泥琐事的困境中。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

2 controversy   

n.争论，辩论，争吵

参考例句：

• That is a fact beyond controversy.那是一个无可争论的事实。
• We ran the risk of becoming the butt of every controversy.我们要冒使自己在所有的纷争中都成为众矢之的的风险。

3 socialist   

n.社会主义者；adj.社会主义的

参考例句：

• China is a socialist country,and a developing country as well.中国是一个社会主义国家，也是一个发展中国家。
• His father was an ardent socialist.他父亲是一个热情的社会主义者。

4 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

5 patriotism   

n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义

参考例句：

• His new book is a demonstration of his patriotism.他写的新书是他的爱国精神的证明。
• They obtained money under the false pretenses of patriotism.他们以虚伪的爱国主义为借口获得金钱。

6 legislative   

n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的

参考例句：

• Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government.国会是美国政府的立法部门。
• Today's hearing was just the first step in the legislative process.今天的听证会只是展开立法程序的第一步。

7 override   

vt.不顾，不理睬，否决；压倒，优先于

参考例句：

• The welfare of a child should always override the wishes of its parents.孩子的幸福安康应该永远比父母的愿望来得更重要。
• I'm applying in advance for the authority to override him.我提前申请当局对他进行否决。

8 administrator   

n.经营管理者，行政官员

参考例句：

• The role of administrator absorbed much of Ben's energy.行政职务耗掉本很多精力。
• He has proved himself capable as administrator.他表现出管理才能。