Austin Currie
Ceist:44 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy on the future of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29118/01]
Written Answers. - Brussels Process.
The Government welcomes the resumed dialogue between the Spanish and UK Governments on the future of Gibraltar under the Brussels Process. The Brussels Process was inaugurated in 1984 by the then respective Foreign Ministers, Fernando Morán and Geoffrey Howe. Under its terms, talks were aimed at overcoming differences between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on economic, cultural and aviation matters. It was established that issues of sovereignty would also be discussed under the process.
Talks had been suspended for four years. The British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, and his Spanish counterpart, Senor Pique, met on 26 July 2001 to relaunch the process. It was decided on that date that a further ministerial meeting would be held in Barcelona on 20 November.
Following this meeting on Tuesday, a joint press communiqué was issued under which both Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing discussions on the future of Gibraltar. They stated that they hoped to conclude a comprehensive agreement by summer 2002, and that any such agreement would cover all outstanding issues, including those of co-operation and sovereignty.
The Government welcomes and supports the resumption of the Brussels Process by Spain and the UK. We welcome the positive outcome of the meeting on 20 November and the intention of the parties to reach a comprehensive agreement by summer 2002.