MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay/Spain rift over immigration

Uruguayan minister of Foreign Affairs Reynaldo Gargano called on his countrymen to treat Spanish residents and visitors “politely” following a controversy with Madrid over the expulsion of Uruguayan immigrants.

Uruguay argues that a bilateral agreement dating back to 1870, which promotes the reciprocal residence of Spaniards in Uruguay and Uruguayans in Spain, is still effective. Spain disagrees insisting that European Union migration legislation have turned the bilateral agreement non valid.

"I have solid legal reasons in support of the bilateral treaty as well as recent rulings from Spanish courts validating the treaty. However I admit there's also a political side we must consider and discuss", said Mr. Gargano.

Spanish Ambassador in Montevideo Juan Valderrama this week visited Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez and delivered a personal message from Spanish president Rodriguez Zapatero.

In a short statement to the press Mr. Valdearrama reported the interview had been "cordial and constructive, it was held in a very cordial climate and has been constructive", but refused to answer questions.

Spanish Foreign Affairs minister Miguel Angel Morantinos who was scheduled to visit Uruguay July 27 cancelled the trip following the controversy over Uruguayan immigrants expelled from Spain which has irritated the Uruguayan government.

Following the recent amnesty for immigrants in Spain to legalize their residence, visiting Uruguayans now need to have 80 Euros per day or a notary certificate from who ever is going to host them.

The Uruguayan congress recently called on the Spanish government to honour the 1870 treaty which authorizes Spanish citizens to freely exercise their profession, work, purchase, sell and possess property in Uruguay.

According to Uruguayan Foreign Affairs ministry estimates between 60/70.000 Uruguayans are currently residing in Spain.

Uruguay a former Spanish colony received massive Spanish migration in the late 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century.