MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Western world leaders rally behind Rajoy and support Spain's territorial integrity
Leaders from the world have largely rallied behind Spain's central government after the Catalan parliament voted in favor of splitting from Madrid and establishing an independent republic. Spanish president Mariano Rajoy on Friday announced the dissolution of the Catalan parliament and called for snap regional elections in a swift response to the Catalan MPs' declaration for independence. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesGo for it Catalonia. Scotland's not far behind you.... Hail Brexit!
Oct 28th, 2017 - 11:06 am - Link - Report abuse -3The people above the unelected, overpaid, arrogant bureaucrats of the EU..well done Catalonia.
Oct 28th, 2017 - 11:48 am - Link - Report abuse +2The corrupt far right Spanish government have a long way to go before they’re a proper democracy.
Rajoy has fallen into the Catalan ambush.
Oct 28th, 2017 - 03:06 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Disgrace upon May for not taking Scotland's line, considering Spain's illegal incursions into Gibraltar's waters, and the Catalan support for Gibraltar's self determination.
A well considered statement from Scotland accepting Spain has the right to oppose independence, but direct rule is playing into the hands of the Catalan seperatists
It is fair to say that the declaration of independence did not take into account the Catalans who want to stay Spanish.
But Spain are too stupid to hold a binding referendum, and so the Catalans seeking independence just have to bide their time.
“Scotlands not far behind you” !!!!
Oct 28th, 2017 - 04:23 pm - Link - Report abuse +2What drivel ! SNP defeated in the referendum, lost 1/3 of its seats at the General Election, heavily criticised in Scotland for incompetence and now slipping back even further in the current polls.
Catalonia should be allowed an official referendum just like Scotland was and allowed to split off if they wish too. A far better solution than abandoning its people to violence.
@Peter Bog, as a resident of Gibraltar I absolutely agree with you, the conquistadors are intruding into our waters almost daily and there are frequent deliberate delays at the border when it suits them.
Oct 29th, 2017 - 08:17 am - Link - Report abuse -1Upon the death of Franco Spain enacted a fresh constitution which ALL 50 provinces, including the four provinces of Catalunya, Barcelona, Gerona, Llerida and Terragona, approved and subscribed to. Therefore, constitutionally, the pro-independence parties are acting against the Spanish state to which they are subscribed. That is treason and the Spanish government is acting legally.
Oct 29th, 2017 - 10:14 am - Link - Report abuse -1It is nonsense that Catalunya should seek independence when a majority of the people of that part of Spain to not desire it.
¡Viva Catalunya, España!
The Spanish government hasn't handled the Catalonian situation well. They'll be claiming that Gibraltar belongs to Spain next even after effectively giving the territory away 3x times.
Oct 29th, 2017 - 10:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0Be careful what you sign Señor...
Gibraltar – Spanish Myths and Agreements (1 pg):
https://www.academia.edu/34608739/Gibraltar_Spanish_Myths_and_Agreements
Strictly speaking Britain did not adhere to the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht. Britain agreed that Jews and Muslims would not be permitted to live or work on the Rock after the territory was ceded under the terms of the treaty. Almost immediately the descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 and Muslims from North Africa arrived to work and no effort has ever been made to expel them.
Oct 29th, 2017 - 05:57 pm - Link - Report abuse -2Also that part of the territory where the airport is found was never ceded to Britain.
These two reasons are used by Spain to insist that the terms of the treaty have been violated and, thus, the territory should be returned to Spanish sovereignty.
I have a feeling the ECHR would have something to say about it if Britain tried to expel Jews and Muslims from the territory.
Oct 29th, 2017 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Also if we broke the treaty does that mean we've technically been at war with Spain all this time? That would be awkward.
Britain could pay Spain for the land the airport was built on if it really wasn't included, but I suspect they wouldn't agree to that.
And as far as the UK goes, - Here's something to think about. https://wingsoverscotland.com/telling-the-truth-by-accident/
Oct 30th, 2017 - 12:26 pm - Link - Report abuse -2Demon
Oct 30th, 2017 - 01:59 pm - Link - Report abuse -11) No - we have not been at war with Spain! We have not kept to the terms of the treaty and Spain is strictly relying on the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht.
2) The exiles from Spain of 1492 - Sephardic Jews and Muslims - were expelled by Spain PURELY for religious reasons therefore ECHR should be making approaches to Spain but it would not get very far because the laws in this regard of 1492 have recently been abrogated purposely to allow the descendants of the expelled Sephadis to return. I am not sure whether the separate expulsion order of the Muslims has also been abrogated.
It is all very confusing.
The truth. http://www.thenational.scot/news/15626837.WATCH__Fascist_salutes_and_clashes_with_police_at_anti_independence_demonstration_in_Catalonia/?ref=mrb&lp=1
Oct 30th, 2017 - 02:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@gordo1
Oct 30th, 2017 - 04:21 pm - Link - Report abuse -1We've been at war with Spain several times since then, and Spain tried to take Gibraltar back several times too and failed. I see no reason to return it to them, any more than any other territory taken in wars over 300 years ago.
Also, I'm pretty sure Spain did not keep to the terms of the treaty either, but I suppose that is how they justified keeping the border closed, even after the return to democracy?
I don't think the ECHR can do anything about stuff Spain did centuries ago, but I'm sure they would say human rights law makes that provision in the treaty null and void. And last I heard Spain has not let the descendants of expelled Muslims return. Why do you think that is?
Demon Tree
Oct 30th, 2017 - 10:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I am only citing facts as seen by Spain. As the son of a “llanita”(Gibralterian) and a British citizen I have no wish for Spain ever to succeed in its efforts to regain the sovereignty of Gibraltar.
Neither have I, but if they can persuade the people to agree to joint sovereignty or whatever then fine.
Oct 31st, 2017 - 12:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0Strangely Spain seems to think they can bully them into agreement, despite the spectacular failure of their last attempt. I wonder if their bullying of Catalonia will go out any better for them.
Brilliant if we adopt Spain's approach will the wee munchkin Sturgeon and the Fat Controller run away to Brussels. So all the remainers like the idea of direct rule.
Oct 31st, 2017 - 11:58 am - Link - Report abuse -1The Rusdians are coming... Russians 'set up shop' in Scotland to force new independence vote
Nov 02nd, 2017 - 09:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/01/russian-cyber-operatives-setting-shop-scotland-promote-independence/?WT.mc_id=tmgliveapp_androidshare_AprhNWcJBgL8
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