Jul 17 - Ambassador Summoned After Spanish Navy Attempts To Interfere With Gib Shipping
The Foreign Office has, for the fifth time since December 2011, summoned the Spanish Ambassador after an incident yesterday in which a Spanish Navy ship attempted to interfere with the passage of two commercial vessels that were travelling to and from Gibraltar. The incident is reported to have taken place in international waters near the Rock.
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office says that the decision to summon Federico Trillo (pictured) had been taken to “underline serious concern at the activity of a Spanish Navy vessel in international waters off Gibraltar yesterday.”
The Minister for Europe, David Lidington, said:
“I am extremely concerned by the actions of a Spanish Navy vessel which sought to redirect two commercial vessels heading to and from the Port of Gibraltar, incorrectly claiming they were in Spanish waters. The vessels were in international waters off Gibraltar, and the actions of the Spanish Navy vessel constitute a breach of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Freedom of navigation in international waters is a vital principle of international law. The two commercial vessels, under instructions from Gibraltar port authorities, were able to continue their business uninterrupted. But this represents a cynical attempt by the Spanish government to disrupt Gibraltar’s economy, in contravention of international Iaw.
I strongly condemn this provocative activity and urge the Spanish government to ensure that it is not repeated. Her Majesty’s Government will continue to take whatever action we consider necessary to uphold the interests of Gibraltar, its people, its security and economy.”
