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http://www.thislondon.co.uk [That is, the United States.] This London July 25, 2002 Spain could use Gibraltar base: PM Spanish forces could be given access to the British military base on the disputed territory of Gibraltar, Tony Blair has confirmed. The Prime Minister says Britain is prepared to consider converting the strategically important base into a Nato facility which could be used by all members of the alliance, including Spain. The move has been welcomed by the Madrid government which hailed the proposal as a sign that talks to resolve the future of the rock had not broken down. Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said: "We'll wait for Britain to put its new proposals on the table before answering. It's a sign of goodwill in the negotiations. It's also proof that the talks have not broken down." However, it was immediately denounced as a "dishonourable sell-out" by the Tories. It is also expected to attract fierce criticism in the colony where the overwhelming majority of the population is resolutely opposed to the joint sovereignty negotiations with the Spanish. The suggestion that the base could revert to Nato was floated by Europe Minister Peter Hain and the British Ambassador to Madrid Peter Torry in interviews with the Spanish media. "Of course, it will become a Nato base, a proper Nato base and Nato partners, Spain included, will have access to that base in a way that has not been possible up to now. But British control has to remain, full stop." Mr Hain told El Pais newspaper. Shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram condemned the proposal and the "unacceptable" the way the details had emerged. "This confirmation of statements made by the UK ambassador to Spain, that the Government is promoting joint use of the base, is not only a strange and unacceptable way to announce sensitive government policies but it is also yet another step in the dishonourable process of sell-out," he said. � __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better http://health.yahoo.com --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bacIlu Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
