MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New UK Minister for Europe reiterates support for Gibraltar

MP Caroline Flint: No doubts about Gibraltar's sovereignty

Caroline Flint, the new Minister for Europe at the Foreign Office, has reiterated the United Kingdom commitment not to enter into talks with Spain on Gibraltar's sovereignty, or any process of talks, against the wishes of the people of Gibraltar. The remarks came at the Gibraltar Day in London reception.

Ms Flint said the bond between UK and Gibraltar is stronger than ever and she looks forward to playing her part in furthering the modern relationship between Gibraltar and UK. The New Europe Minister spoke of the affection that exists between the people of Gibraltar and the people of Britain and stressed that the new Constitution creates a modern relationship. Ms Flint said she is happy with the progress in the trilateral talks (Gibraltar, UK and Spain) and added that although these might not always be easy she has confidence in the leadership shown by Chief Minister Peter Caruana that had led to real progress. Although the position was again reinforced just days ago by the Foreign Secretary David Miliband the statement was seen as Ms Flint distancing herself form the position held by her former boss Peter Hain who led the failed joint-sovereignty initiative of 2001. Chief Minister Peter Caruana was scheduled to hold discussions at the Foreign Office with Tim Hitchens, the diplomat who takes over from Anthony Smith on Gibraltar issues. The new appointment coincides with changes in Spain at several levels. The role played by Europe Director Jose Pons is now taken by Luis Felipe Fernandez de la Peña. The Gibraltar desk in Madrid is now to be Juan Jose Sanz Aparicio.