MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hoon's Gibraltar visit “untimely”, says Madrid.

The Spanish government has summoned its ambassador in the United Kingdom to Madrid for consultations following the announcement of a high ranking delegation visit to Gibraltar, headed by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

Mr. Hoon is expected next August 4 to participate in the tercentenary celebrations of British rule in Gibraltar including the Freedom of the City. Opposition Leader Michael Howard and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West have also been included in the delegation.

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said the Spanish government had called the Ambassador because Britain's explanations "have been insufficient to justify this visit".

Last Friday Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega confirmed that Mr. Hoon was planning to travel to Gibraltar, describing it as an "untimely" action between "friends and allies".

Mr. Moratinos stressed Spain's "unease and concern" about "the not particularly friendly (attitude) of Britain towards the Spanish people." He also expressed disappointment that the wishes of the Spanish government had been ignored with regard to the anniversary celebrations, adding that the commemoration could have been handled in a "more positive" manner.

The announced visit of Defence Secretary Hoon follows two controversial incidents that irked the Spanish government, Princess Anne's visit in June and the stop over of nuclear submarine HMS Tireless in early July.

Britain took control of Gibraltar in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession but Spain has repeatedly claimed the territory that is home to some 32.000 residents which according to a recent referendum with to remain under British rule.

Four former Gibraltar governors have also arrived in Gibraltar for the tercentenary commemorations. They are Admiral Sir Derek Reffell (1989-1993), Field Marshal Sir John Chapple (1993-1995), Lord Luce (1997-2000) and Sir David Durie (2000-2003).