MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Gibraltar Deputy Chief Minister lobbies Democrats and Republicans in US Congress
Dr Garcia recalled Gibraltar has been a close ally of the US for over 200 years which dates back to the US’s first intervention overseas against the Barbary States Gibraltar Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Joseph Garcia highlighted the long and historic relationship between Gibraltar and the United States during a series of meetings in Washington. In a busy schedule Dr Garcia held meetings at the offices of both Democratic and Republican members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Dr Garcia explained the use of the facilities offered by Gibraltar for a period of over 200 years which dates back to the US’s first intervention overseas against the Barbary States in the early nineteenth century.
Gibraltar also served as the headquarters for General Eisenhower for the launch of Operation Torch during the Second World War and it maintained this strategic importance to this day. Dr. Garcia also highlighted the importance of the right to self-determination.
The meetings were organized by former Democratic Congressman Jim Davis of the law firm Holland and Knight. The program included the offices of the co-chairs of the United Kingdom Caucus of members of Congress. A Caucus in the US House of Representatives is similar to an All-Party Group in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Dr. Garcia met its Republican Co-Chair Representative Joe Wilson, and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who currently has an intern from Gibraltar working in his office.
The intern, Angelo Cerisola, was given a placement to this office through the program that the Government has set in motion with The Washington Centre.
The Gibraltar delegation also renewed contact with the Margaret Thatcher Centre of the Heritage Foundation and with David Liston of the Gibraltar-American Council.
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Read all commentsHe is absolutely correct that Gibraltar is of greater strategic importance to NATO that anything Spain contributes militarily or financially.
Mar 28th, 2015 - 12:59 pm 0In 1898, Spain declared War on the USA. I would like to see then try that now!
haha!
PS: They lost that one too...!
:)
I feel there is strong support in Congress for Gibraltar. However, a gentle reminder does no harm. Pleased that Garcia is being pro-active in this matter.
Anyone care to (dis)agree?
Past time for the 'leader of the free world' to step up to the plate. Is it right for a country to renege on all honest agreements? Is it right for a country, like spain, to force people to stand out in a queue for up to 8 hours to cross a border? Imagine being forced to stand outdoors in a queue during a hot summer's day in Texas. Just to get to their homes or place of employment. Is it right for government and poaching boats to enter another country's territorial waters and commit crimes? What bribe did spain offer so that the US would base four Aegis warships at Rota?
Mar 28th, 2015 - 01:15 pm 0@2
Mar 28th, 2015 - 01:20 pm 0No bribe was needed. I am sure the Spanish merely acquiesed to anything the US 'asked' for.
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