MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Gibraltar: new round of contacts

Britain and Spain will be holding another round of talks over the disputed territory of Gibraltar next July 22nd., according to reports in the Madrid press.

The incoming Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Ana Palacio is quoted by "El País", saying that informal talks regarding Gibraltar will be held in Brussels with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Ms. Palacio's remarks follow the announcement to Parliament by Mr. Straw that Britain is prepared to a shared, joint, sovereignty over the Rock with Spain given certain conditions including a referendum among the 35.000 residents of Gibraltar.

Spanish reaction to the unexpected announcement in Westminster was positive, "at last we're talking seriously", but anyhow insisting that the ultimate target of Madrid is full control over the territory that Britain occupies since 1700 under the Utrecht agreement.

As anticipated Gibraltar officials rejected the initiative insisting that self determination be respected by London and described Mr. Straw's proposal as a "sell out", behind the back of local residents. The Conservative opposition in Parliament also reacted furiously saying it was the epilogue of "a shabby and dishonourable process, truly disgraceful", anticipating that when Tories return to power the agreement will be annulled.

In his speech to Parliament Mr. Straw insisted that there' s no final agreement with Spain yet, and that there are still pending points after twelve months of negotiations with Ms. Palacio predecessor, Mr. Josep Piqué Minister of Foreign Affairs until last week's reshuffle of the Spanish cabinet.

Ms. Palacio revealed that the next formal meeting, which should have taken place July 12th., in Madrid and was cancelled because of her appointment to the job, will now be held in September.

Under Mr. Straw's proposal of joint sovereignty, Gibraltar residents will retain the English language, British system of self government, education, life style, British citizenship, and also acquire Spanish citizenship.

However there are stumbling blocks: Mr. Straw pointed out are that the joint sovereignty agreement must be permanent and not a step for full Spanish sovereignty, and the use of the strategic military installations in Gibraltar.