King Juan Carlos of Spain is to pay a controversial visit to two Spanish-held enclaves on the tip of North Africa for the first time in his 32-year reign.

Morocco considers the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to be occupied Moroccan territory and recalled its ambassador to Spain in protest at the visit.

Moroccans are planning protest rallies in the two enclaves and outside the Spanish embassy in Rabat, reports say.

Spanish officials have been playing down the dispute.

The Spanish foreign minister, Miguel Moratinos, has said he hopes it will not affect Spain's good relations with Morocco for long.

Moroccan have authorities described the visit as "regrettable".

Rival claims

Moroccan Ambassador Omar Azziman has been recalled indefinitely over the visit.

Ceuta and Melilla, on Morocco's coast, came under Spanish control about 500 years ago but Morocco claims them too.

High-level Spanish visits to the two strategic enclaves are rare. This will be the first time the king has visited as head of state.

When Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero went there in 2006 it was the first by a Spanish head of government since 1981.

Madrid says the urban enclaves are integral parts of Spain.

They are surrounded by Morocco, which views the Spanish presence as anachronistic and claims sovereignty.

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