Aug 15 - Government Says Aquarius Decision Was “Far From Knee Jerk” And “Totally Non-Political”
The Government has said that the decision of the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) to terminate the Aquarius' permission to operate as a rescue vessel under the Gibraltar flag “was far from knee jerk.”
Number Six says the move was a totally non-political decision, taken by the Maritime Administrator on the basis of a proper interpretation of all applicable rules adding that this is a “purely administrative process” with decisions taken by technical maritime experts in which the Government has or has had no involvement. The Government says it is a purely maritime issue which concerns the purpose for which the vessel is certified, compliance with that certification and with instructions given by the Maritime Administrator. The Government adds that it was advised of these decisions only after they were taken.
The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo said, "I fully support these decisions.
“Like most right thinking people, I am concerned and worried about the desperation that is leading people to risk their lives to migrate to European shores. The GSD are wrong to try to play politics with the serious business of the GMA and to call into question the professionalism of the Maritime Administrator.
“The GSD are particularly wrong to play politics with immigration. Such actions are usually the populist preserve of right-wing political parties that Gibraltar can do without.
“I am a supporter of the work of NGO's, but also a proponent of that work being done in keeping with all applicable international rules.
“Ironically, I understand that the laudable agreements made between several EU Member States to allow Aquarius to dock and to distribute those aboard her throughout six different EU jurisdictions has actually have been facilitated by the GMA's decision. If only the GSD had bothered to think things through before posting populist politics statements, they might have been able to work out why for themselves.”
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