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No. 13/99
Date: 29 January 1999 The Government of Gibraltar has been outraged by the events of the Spanish side at the frontier today. It is intolerable that a small number of protectors have been allowed by the Spanish authorities illegally to block access to and from Gibraltar. It is totally unacceptable that communications between two parts of the European Union should be severed at the whim of the Spanish fishermen and with the open support of the Spanish authorities. It is shameful that innocent travellers have been subjected to this harassment and inhuman treatment. We have remained in close contact with His Excellency the Governor over the course of the day. Gibraltar however requires and deserves a prompt and robust statement of support and assurance directly from the British Government in London. The unrestricted passage of people, vehicles and goods is a basic European Union right. The Government therefore condemns the attempt to coerce Gibraltar by denying us these fundamental rights. The rule of law, both on the waters and at our frontier must be upheld and respected by all. Whilst awaiting developments at the diplomatic level, the Gibraltar Government urges restraint on all sides. There must be a return to normality and rule of law and not a further deterioration of the current position. |