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Party does not accept Hoon's qualification of self-determination, but will vote YES
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The PDP says that, whilst it is considering the detail of the Constitution, its first reaction is to confirm that the PDP intends to campaign for a Yes Vote in the Referendum to be convened to accept the proposed Constitution.
The proposals that will be voted on are the culmination of the work that has spanned several years and has involved a number of people on a cross-party political basis and involved non-parliamentary contributions.
"The PDP does not accept the qualification to the right of self-determination of the people of Gibraltar made in the Statement of Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon or in the Despatch. As the Despatch acknowledges the position of Gibraltar is markedly different. Our position is that the people of Gibraltar have an unqualified right and acceptance of the constitution in referendum by the people is on that basis," they say.
SPANISH CLAIM
And add: Mr Hoon?s statement does not amount to recognition that any referendum convened to let the people of Gibraltar express their view on the draft Constitution is itself such an unqualified act of self determination. To state ? as the United Kingdom does ? that the referendum would be an exercise of self-determination ?in that context? is clearly a reference to the Spanish claim and the British view of Utrecht [in the preceding line] and not a clear and unqualified reference to the UN Charter as the Government and Opposition would have us believe.
Notwithstanding these concerns the PDP consider that the referendum if convened would not be convened ?in that [narrow] context? but in accordance with the Gibraltar view that our people have an unqualified right to self-determination and that the draft constitution put before the people is what its representatives have negotiated and recommend. If accepted it is because the people wish to accept that in accordance with our unqualified right to self-determination.
There are two important objectives in the constitutional arena; constitutional reform and decolonisation. These can be attained simultaneously or sequentially. It is important not to confuse these questions.
What is important now is to accept the Constitutional package as a good overall package for Gibraltar, they add. It will provide further self-government, update our individual and collective rights, advance the mechanics of governance and provide a basis for greater democracy in Gibraltar.
TIME WILL TELL
The PDP does not share the view that this Constitution cannot be improved upon or that this ?ends the process of self-government? for Gibraltar. Time will tell whether that is the case.
"We are now largely in control of the next steps to take. We can decide whether to hold an act of self-determination [referendum]; we can decide whether to say YES; we can decide whether to push for decolonisation at the UN.
"In that context the PDP regrets that the British Government has reiterated its position that it will not proactively seek the de-listing of Gibraltar. It does not think that the so-called Second Preamble that has now been published adds much to support that effort.
"It would of course facilitate the process with the UN if the UK were to come round to the view that it would more actively support the efforts of its territories that should be increased once the constitutional package has been accepted," says a statement.
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