MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Storm” over HMS Tireless in Gibraltar.

A diplomatic storm seems to be brewing between Spain and the United Kingdom following Madrid's reaction to the coming visit to Gibraltar of a British nuclear powered submarine.

According to Spanish press sources in an official release the Spanish Foreign Affairs Ministry stated its profound disappointment with the planned visit to Gibraltar this Friday of HMS Tireless which will signal "a negative point in the good relations between the two governments".

British Ambassador in Madrid Stepehn Wright who was called to the Spanish Chancery received the note which also expresses the "lack of British sensitivity towards Spanish public opinion".

Four years ago HMS Tireless had to remain in Gibraltar for twelve months to undergo repairs after some defects were detected in her structure.

"We can confirm Spain has requested the cancellation or the re-routing of the visit. We opposed to do so. HMS Tireless as any other vessel of the Royal Navy has the right to call in Gibraltar but we've kept Spanish authorities informed and we've given them guarantees about safety standards of the submarine", said a reliable source from the British Embassy in Madrid according to the Spanish press.

In Barcelona, Spanish Foreign Affairs minister Miguel Angel Moratinos described the incident as a "provocation" from the British Admiralty.

"We consider this attitude from the Royal Navy as unacceptable and not very friendly", said Mr. Moratinos, who added "we've taking notice" of the incident and "and we'll see how our cooperation willingness with the United Kingdom in other fields develops".

In May 2000, HMS Tireless with cracks in her cooling system was towed into Gibraltar causing strong protests on both sides of the border mainly from environmentalists.

This year is also the tercentenary of British rule in the disputed territory which Spain claims.