Madrid Insists On Separate Gibraltar Talks Involving Spain During Brexit Transition Period

Madrid insists that separate negotiations devoted to the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar, with the participation of the Spanish officials, be held during the so-called transition period that will follow Brexit, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Monday.

MADRID (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th November, 2018) Madrid insists that separate negotiations devoted to the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar, with the participation of the Spanish officials, be held during the so-called transition period that will follow Brexit, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, the EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss Brexit and the draft withdrawal treaty. Borrell, in particular, demanded that the draft document be amended to ensure that what is discussed between London and Brussels would not apply to Gibraltar, which Spain views as its territory.

"[It should be stated clearly that] the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union do not apply to Gibraltar .

.. It should be made clear in the Brexit agreement text and in the political declaration on the future relationship," Borrell said, adding that separate talks on the issue should be held with Spain's participation.

Earlier on Monday, the EU General Affairs Council supported the draft text of the Brexit agreement, agreed on by Brussels and London earlier in November. An EU leaders' summit devoted to the matter is scheduled for Sunday.

Spain ceded Gibraltar to the United Kingdom in the 18th century, but Madrid continues to lay claims to it. In 1967 and 2002, local residents rejected the idea of joining Spain in referendums. As such, it is set to depart the European Union in 2019 together with the United Kingdom.