Sep 11 - Garcia Updates Secretary General Of Liberal International On Gibraltar Issues
The Secretary General of Liberal International, Emil Kirjas, met with the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, this morning in order to discuss the political developments that have affected Gibraltar over the last few weeks.
Dr Garcia briefed Mr Kirjas on the latest issues including the delays at the border generated by the Spanish Government and the environmental protection measures taken by Gibraltar. Dr Garcia showed Mr Kirjas a copy of the dossier on the frontier delays which was sent to the European Union at the end of July and explained the action that the Government is taking or may take in relation to this issue.
The exercise of the right to self-determination by the people of Gibraltar leading to democratic decolonisation was also discussed.
Mr Kirjas said:
"This is not a personal visit to join the festivities of National Day. This is an official visit mandated by the entire leadership of Liberal International expressing support for the people of Gibraltar on behalf of around 100 parties around the world, many of them in Government and Parliament. We stand with Gibraltar not only against the bullying that comes from the north, but with its legitimate right to determine its own future."
In its last Congress held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, last year, Liberal International reiterated its position that any future decolonised status for Gibraltar must be freely and democratically decided by the people of Gibraltar.
The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Garcia said that Mr Kirjas was very welcome in Gibraltar and that the National Day events, particularly the rally, had caused a considerable positive impact on him and on other visitors. He added that it was important to fully brief friends of Gibraltar in the wider political world about the reality of what is happening here in order to ensure that they are fully informed and aware of the situation.
