Call for EU intervention over Guardia Civil incident
December 8, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP
The European Union has been called upon to clarify the procedures governing cross-border pursuits after four armed members of the Spanish Guardia Civil pursued two Spanish fugitives onto Gibraltar's territory last Monday.
Graham Watson MEP has tabled a Parliamentary Question asking the European Commission and Council for their input on the incident that involved a gun battle at sea being brought onto Gibraltar's shores and a local housing estate.
Although Spanish officials have apologised for the behaviour of the Guardia Civil, Mr Watson says he is concerned that this incursion is the latest in a series of events that have challenged Gibraltar's sovereignty.
He said; "The cavalier attitude of the Spanish Guardia Civil towards the Rock in this case is particularly alarming.
"I want to see procedures for cross-border pursuits clearly spelled out so that sovereignty cannot be trampled upon in this way again."
Mr Watson says he is also concerned that the incident exposed lax security around the Port and a lack of communication between police forces.
"We all know that the fight against crime will cross national borders and member states need to work together to keep our communities safe. This incident shows a complete lack of coordination between authorities. What if this had been a terrorist attack on the port? Questions need to be answered on all sides."
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