MADRID

Portugal's Defense Minister Nuno Melo has reignited a long-standing territorial dispute, claiming that the Spanish town of Olivenza rightfully belongs to Portugal and asserting that the country will not relinquish its claim. 

Located in Spain's Badajoz province, about 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from the Portuguese border, Olivenza has been a point of contention between the two nations for centuries.

Speaking to the reporters on Friday, Melo said: "Olivenza is Portuguese, naturally, and it is not a provocation at all."

Referring to the 1297 Treaty of Alcanices between the Kingdoms of Castile and Portugal, he said: "In fact, by treaty, Olivenza should be handed over to the Portuguese State," adding it is "not a question of yesterday, but of today."

The Treaty of Alcanices, signed in 1297 between the Kingdoms of Castile and Portugal, established new borders and transferred the town of Olivenza to Portugal. However, in 1801, Olivenza was recaptured by Spain and remains under Spanish control today, though Portugal continues to claim it.

The remarks have drawn criticism from both sides of the border. Manuel Joss Gonzalez Andrade, the mayor of Olivenza has urged Saturday Melo to abandon "speeches that raise walls and cause divisions," according to local media.

Andrade emphasized that the residents of Olivenza are proud of their history and content with their current status.

In Portugal, opposition leader Pedro Nuno Santos of the Socialist Party accused Melo of irresponsible rhetoric, warning that such statements could have serious implications for foreign relations.

The Spanish government has yet to issue a response to Melo's comments.