Spain approves citizenship for Sahrawis born under Spanish rule

Spain's lower house voted on Thursday to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born when Madrid administered the North African territory of Western Sahara as a

colony, a move that could inflame delicate relations with Morocco.



The legislation, which a statement from parliament said was approved with 168 votes in favour, 31 against and 145 abstentions, would also allow descendants of those granted citizenship to acquire it.



Some 70,000 to 110,000 Sahrawis could be eligible for Spanish citizenship, according to local media.