- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Spain Strikes EU Deal on Gibraltar, Brexit Summit to Move Ahead - Spanish PM

© REUTERS / Jon NazcaThe Union Jack (L), the Gibraltarian flag (C) and the European Union flag are seen flying at the border of Gibraltar with Spain, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, historically claimed by Spain April 3, 2017.
The Union Jack (L), the Gibraltarian flag (C) and the European Union flag are seen flying at the border of Gibraltar with Spain, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, historically claimed by Spain April 3, 2017. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on Saturday that Spain has reached a deal with the European Union on Gibraltar - the step will clear the way for a EU summit on Sunday which is hoped to result in the Brexit deal's approval.

The prime minister's confirmation follows a statement made by a Reuters source earlier in the day that the deal has been reached. 

"Negotiations went on through the night with Spain and Britain. In a telephone conversation just now (European Council President Donald) Tusk and (Spanish Prime Minister Pedro) Sanchez reached an agreement on Gibraltar," the source stated.

The source also confirmed that a EU summit planned to be held on Sunday 'will go ahead.'

In addition, Reuters cited a draft document highlighting that when the UK withdraws from EU, "Gibraltar will not be included in the territorial scope of the agreements to be concluded between the Union and the United Kingdom."

READ MORE: EU, UK Agree to Mention Gibraltar in Brexit Paper on Future Ties — Diplomat

At the same time, British authorities said in a statement that they were willing to hold negotiations with Spain to discuss the future of Gibraltar.  

A general view shows the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion (rear) and the tarmac of the Gibraltar International Airport (bottom L) while tourists stand on the top of the Rock (R) next to the European Union flag, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, September 14, 2016 - Sputnik International
'Tempest in a Teapot': EU Lawmakers Say Gibraltar Brexit Issue Overrated
The statements come after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned Friday that the Sunday summit of European leaders to endorse a Brexit draft deal is likely to be called off if no deal is reached by then on the Gibraltar issue.

On Sunday, the EU 27 leaders are expected to endorse the draft Brexit deal, including the withdrawal agreement and the declaration on the future EU-UK relations.

Gibraltar, located on the southern coast of Spain, has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713, when Spain ceded it to the United Kingdom under Utrecht Treaty. The region's residents rejected the idea of Spanish sovereignty in 1967 and joint UK-Spanish authority in 2002.

The region is set to leave the European Union together with the rest of the United Kingdom in March 2019. The Brexit agreement between London and Brussels includes a special protocol on Gibraltar.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала