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The Spanish dimension, delisting and hyprocrisy: Please, don't insult our intelligence!
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In a previous statement, The VOGG queried the significance of Jack Straw's utterance 'irrespective of the UN Dimension' when referring to The Rock's 'colonial' status. Well, no one can be in any doubt now.
Whilst concurring with others that Gibraltar should not be on the list, it refutes the 'philosophy' behind the Foreign Secretary's thinking. He has taken a leaf out of Pons & Co.'s book and he too is insulting the intelligence of the Gibraltarians. To top it all, The Chief Minister immediately comes out on TV and 'encourages' him. Makes a change though, from magnanimously 'interpreting' Spanish outbursts.
The VOGG adds: The UK's position, as set out by Jack Straw, is one of political expediency and nothing else. To say that the UK will not engage the UN in de-listing any of its 'pink spots' (aka BOTs), because of outdated criteria, is the epitome of hypocrisy. Firstly, what can be more past its sell-by date than the Treaty of Utrecht and secondly, when, every year, it aids and abets in the formulation of the UN4thC's Annual Consensus Report. The VOGG, like the majority of locals, is very keen to hear, from The UK and Gibraltar Governments, why the Gibraltarians cannot exercise their right to self-determination and decolonisation under the 4th. Option, via acceptance of the new constitution. It is a simple question that deserves an honest answer.
All the 'pink spots', with the exception of Gibraltar, can go down the route of independence in accordance with the BOT White Paper. None, bar The Rock (& The Falklands) have third party claimants to their sovereignty. Therefore, all those free from territorial claims are certainly not too bothered whether they are on the list or not. In the meantime the Spaniards (& the Argentinians) keep at it at the UNC24/4thC.
BRITISH
The VOGG reminds Jack Straw that the Gibraltarians are British Citizens, The Rock is British Territory (in perpetuity under Utrecht, if valid) and no bilateral talks on sovereignty can be contemplated. Furthermore, the new constitution, if approved, will cement the relationship with the UK in a modern, non-colonial arrangement. He apparently agrees with all of these and adds that Gibraltar should not be on the UN List. So, it will take a lot more from the Foreign Secretary, and the Chief Minister for that matter, for the People of Gibraltar to swallow the rhetorical reasons, pretexts or excuses on offer. Gibraltar is on the list and will stay there just as the right to self-determination is proclaimed but thwarted in its exercise. It all leads back to square one, an open door for the Spaniards.
Looking back over the period from the start of the Constitutional Talks and even further to that of the Tripartite Forum, The VOGG can recall the Chief Minister referring regularly to a 'revised', 'modern' and 'non-colonial' relationship with the UK, but rarely, if ever (perhaps other than at Casemates on National Day), of exercising the right to self-determination and decolonisation. The present state of affairs may well explain his then 'careful' choice of words. Since the Chief Minister has become very economical in providing the electorate with precise information on paramount issues he cannot be surprised when accusations of 'collusion' arise on the street. Let's leave it as 'convinced' and/or 'coerced'.
SPANISH DIMENSION
The VOGG has members who are well versed in British colonial history and have suffered the treacheries and double standards of 'Perfidious Albion' for most of their lives. Many Gibraltarians share those experiences. Rhetorical fine words and intentions now will not suffice to change their attitudes. If the 'modern' relationship is to blossom, only irrevocable commitments on the way ahead will do. Obviously, the F&CO must renounce its 'Spanish Dimension- tendencies, for starters.
Notwithstanding the result of the referendum and the Chief Minister's address to the UNC24 in June, if he attends, Jack Straw's words will be put to the test at the next session of the UN4thC in October. Many in Gibraltar will be eagerly awaiting the UK representative's contribution and how this reflects all that has been said.
Likewise, the Annual Consensus Report must unequivocally represent the Foreign Secretary's declarations, otherwise, it is all bull-shit, to put it mildly. The Spaniards, on the other hand, may well let the cat out of the bag. The VOGG seriously hopes that UK will not mislead the UN with references to the Tripartite Forum as the negotiating process of decolonisation between the UK and Spain. Unless and as many do believe, it's the underhand expansion of the Brussels Process with Gibraltarian participation. Unfortunately, all of this may be worthless pie in the sky by then.
The whole affair is taking a turn for the worse and everyone must endeavour to find some sort of unity of purpose prior to the referendum. Otherwise, it will be Gibraltar, as a whole, that will lose out. Has anybody wondered whether the Spaniards 'prefer' a YES or NO vote? It will of course depend on what has been promised them and/or offered to the Gibraltarians, says Paul TUNBRIDGE/Julio PONS (spokesmen) of THE VOICE OF GIBRALTAR GROUP.
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