MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Gibraltar expects better relation with Socialist Spain

Peter Caruana Gibraltar's Chief Minister said he does not expect the new Spanish Government to change its fundamental position on the sovereignty of the Rock. But he has expressed hope that Madrid will change the way in which it manages its relationship with the Rock and Gibraltar issues.

Spanish PSOE Senator Jose Carracao said that "people and dialogue are the first priority in the PSOE's approach to the Gibraltar question", adding that the Spanish people must be congratulated for their exemplary behaviour in turning up in high numbers to vote and "for their decision to reject the lies of the ruling PP of President Jose Aznar". "Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is a man who seeks dialogue and reconciliation", insisted Senator Carracao.

Expanding on his comments about the unexpected victory of the Socialists, Mr Caruana pointed out that in opposition PSOE had been suggesting an approach involving the setting of sovereignty to one side and focusing on building better relations.

"I hope the PSOE Government will take the opportunity to engage in a process of reasonable dialogue of the sort we have always been willing to take part in," he said. "It would be a pity if the change of Government in Spain does not bring a change of dynamics".

Mr Caruana said that this would not require either side to abandon positions on fundamentals ? such as sovereignty and self-determination -, nor, he emphasized would the Gibraltar Government be willing to do so.

The PSOE senator who has been one of the key politicians dealing with Gibraltar matters within the Opposition said that the people of Gibraltar and the Campo, especially La Linea, will have to be at the forefront of a process where dialogue and co-operation are the primary concern. He said he would be making an effort to bring about a renewal of dialogue with the Rock.

Meanwhile, Mr Caruana disagreed with the views expressed by the Opposition on the lobbying of nationalist and regional political parties.

Whilst accepting their democratic status, Mr Caruana argues against aligning Gibraltar with these minorities and points out that, as part of the country Spain, their rights in international law and political rights are very different to ours.

"Our rights are much stronger than theirs," he says emphasising Gibraltar's right to self-determination under the UN.

Mr Caruana says that on the political rights Gibraltar's interests are best served by lobbying the majority opinion in Spain and working to persuade this group of the Gibraltarian right to self-determination.