Aug 06 - Hague Reiterates UK Support for Gib Through Personal Call to Picardo
As tensions continue to rise, Foreign Secretary William Hague telephoned Chief Minister Fabian Picardo to express his, the British Government’s and the Prime Minister’s support and backing for Gibraltar.
Mr Hague also expressed the UK Government's sympathy for those affected by the Spanish actions and he thanked the Gibraltar Government for the sensitive way in which it has handled the situation.
The Chief Minister, although away on his annual leave, has carried out a number of television, radio interviews, and newspaper interviews with an selection of international media outlets including Sky News, The Guardian, this morning’s BBC Breakfast programme, BBC World Service and Good Morning Scotland.
Mr. Picardo has continuously emphasized the purpose and benefits of the artificial reef that was laid recently in BGTW, in an interview this morning he insisted that his Government is engaged in discussion with all local stakeholders on a strategy, which will allow Spanish fishermen to fish in a sustainable manner and in accordance with Gibraltar law.
The Government’s complete marine strategy will be seen over the next few months and is set to include, measures to increase the population of all marine species (i.e. reefs and sea grass beds); increased resources for environmental protection and enforcement; regulations to control marine recreational activity whilst providing safeguards for the local marine environment; increased monitoring and collection of data of fish stocks; forthcoming changes to the law to allow sustainable fishing practices with sustainable fishing methods involving a registry of such vessels.
During the Chief Minister’s absence, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Joseph Garcia will act as Chief Minister.
