MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Despite Gibraltar, Spain and UK enjoy 'excellent relations', says Rajoy

“I hope that this type of incident does not recur in the future on the basis that we have different points of view.”

Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy has declared that the latest incursion into Gibraltar waters, that saw London call in his Ambassador on Tuesday, “can be clarified”, and highlighted that Britain and Spain continue to enjoy “excellent relations.” He hoped such incidents will not be repeated but admitted that Spain and UK have long held opposing positions on the question of Gibraltar.

 “I hope that this type of incident does not recur in the future on the basis that we have different points of view.” Rajoy added he hoped that “this is cleared up and we move on tomorrow to discuss UK-Spain issues

The Spanish president his relationship with David Cameron is “magnificent” and he pointed out that Nick Clegg, the deputy PM, had attended the state funeral for Adolfo Suarez, the former prime minister of Spain’s transition government.

Meanwhile, PP Andalucía president Juan Manuel Moreno has said that the British and Gibraltarian authorities should have a “broader vision” to resolve the current tension. He insisted on Spain’s claim that Gibraltar is on Spanish soil.

Moreno expressed concern at the “tension” in the Strait and said that UK and Spain should attempt come to the best possible agreement to resolve this. He declared that “having a colony on European soil between two countries that are EU and NATO members is an anachronism in 2014.”

He accused the Gibraltarians of standing in the way of a “sensible arrangement” and causing problems.

Last Tuesday the FCO summoned the Spanish Ambassador Federico Trillo to the UK to underline serious concern at the incursion into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters of a Spanish research vessel.

Speaking after the summoning the Minister for Europe, the Rt Hon David Lidington MP, said he was extremely concerned to hear of another incursion into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters on 1 April by a Spanish state research vessel, which sought to undertake survey activity.

“Not only were the actions of the survey vessel unlawful, but it was accompanied by a Spanish Guardia Civil vessel whose dangerous maneuvering presented a significant safety concern on the waters.

”According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the waters around Gibraltar are indisputably British territorial waters, under United Kingdom sovereignty, in which only the United Kingdom has the right to exercise jurisdiction.

“Her Majesty’s Government takes a grave view of any attempt by Spain to exert authority or control within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and considers such incursions as a violation of our sovereignty. However, the legal fact of the United Kingdom’s sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters is not affected by such violations.

”I strongly condemn this provocative incursion and urge the Spanish government to ensure that it is not repeated. Her Majesty’s Government will continue to take whatever action we consider necessary to uphold British sovereignty and the interests of Gibraltar, its people, its security and economy”.