Gibraltar - what should we do with it?

[Ecthy]

In a united Europe with the UK included it will definitely not be a part of that North Western province

Adminstration-wise, being governed from the Iberian peninsula would be more sensible. But as long as nationality is an issue...

[Estilpón]

UK "North Western province"

[SpencerH]

Maybe that Dutch guy could create the flags.

[Panag]

hi ,

since its allready a bananareplublic , ..........;with high taxes and numerous scandal's in its local government , .......put it out , ....
hence , sell it , ........;

then of course , its a base , a small militery one , but, the only in its kind in the near region , ........hmmm, keep it , to stop narcotics and to fight slave trade , .......

have a nice day

[Zkribbler]

My vote is purely out of self-interest. I'd much rather have the British controlling this stategically placed fortress than the Spanish.

[Juggler]

I'm for referendum
let them decide for themselves

[Paul Hanson]

I don't see how there is any argument. The people of Gibraltar want to remain British, so why should we deny them that? (And this isn't because they want to remain British: if they wanted to become Spanish, I would be glad to support them in that). This just seems like a bit of sabre-rattling from the Spanish if you ask me.

[Clear Skies]

The Spanish have been pressuring Gibraltar for years. Blair at least ought to tell them to back off if they want negotiations to take place.

[Alfonsus71]

Any solution would go for me if Gibraltar stops being a pirate´s cave.
Do you know that there are more fake-limited business than people in Gibraltar?.
Do you know what´s the main "industry" in gribraltarian, let´s say, economy?.
Do you know that gribaltarians oposition to spanish control is mainly for "economic" or "taxation" reasons?.
Do you know what contraband means?.

The answers to all this questions are related each other.

[kIndal]

What would everybody thought if Americans have take possesion of Cherbourg, Calais and Dunkirk in WW2 and then they negate to give back to France?

[Estilpón]

some points about the question:

The Treaty of Utrech said that land comuncations are forbidden.

Too, that any change in the politcal status of the colony suppose its return to Spain...

UN has some resolutions where recognice Spanish rigths to its territorial integrity (refered to Gibraltar).

Too, we can say that airport is in Spanish territory and breaks Spanish aerial space.

The lifestyle in Gibraltar is thanks to its economic status as fiscal paradise...if somebody believe that this is aceptable...

And we arent speaking about the extended practise of contraband, that harms next territories and Spanish Financial Ministery.

[MOBIUS]

Egads!

There can be only one sensible conclusion - referendum!

Allow the people to decide for themselves, and not make the repeated mistakes of many other transitions of government without the will of the populace - many of which have been quoted on this very thread!

Interesting place though, even if the apes get a bit frisky!

[Kramsib]

[ironic mode on]
"¡¡¡ Let's them vote !!!. I don't mind, I will manipulate the ellection."
[ironic mode off]

It is simple, people's opinion is not important, if something has to be, it will be. Interests rule this hypocrit society.

If Alfonsus is right, the Spanish government has only to offer Gibralatarians some good economic privileges, and that's all. They will kiss our flag with "frenesí".

It doesn't seem to be right but, ... Welcome to real world.

[Timexwatch]

Come on folks, be serious. Who believes that the Spanish will agree to a referendum vote? Can anyone else say "El pais Vasqo"?

[Estilpón]

Yes, a referedum with 2 options!!! :

1. total integration in Spain
2. integration in Spain in a new autonomy: they can create your laws, they can have your goverment...