TNAG-1119-FCO40-1394-Territorial-claims-to-British-possessions-and-dependencies-1982 — Page 14

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Annex A

JOINT ANGLO/SPANISH STATEMENT ON GIBRALTAR

1. The British and Spanish Governments, desiring to strengthen

their bilateral relations and thus to contribute to European and Western solidarity, intend, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, to resolve, in a spirit of friendship, the Gibraltar

problem.

2. Both Governments have therefore agreed to start negotiations

aimed at overcoming all the differences between them on Gibraltar.

3.

Both Governments have reached agreement on the re-establishment of direct communications in the region. The Spanish Government has

decided to suspend the application of the measures at present in force. Both Governments have agreed that future co-operation should be on the basis of reciprocity and full equality of rights. They look forward to the further steps which will be taken on both sides

which they believe will open the way to closer understanding between those directly concerned in the area.

4. To this end both Governments will be prepared to consider any proposals which the other may wish to make, recognising the need to develop practical co-operation on a mutually beneficial basis.

5. The Spanish Government, in reaffirming its position on the re-establishment of the territorial integrity of Spain, restated its intention that, in the outcome of the negotiations, the

interests of the Gibraltarians should be fully safeguarded. For its part the British Government will fully maintain its commitment to honour the freely and democratically expressed wishes of the people of Gibraltar as set out in the preamble to the Gibraltar

constitution.

6. Officials on both sides will meet as soon as possible to prepare the necessary practical steps which will permit the implementation of the proposals agreed to above. It is envisaged that these preparations will be completed not later than 1 June.