Spain endangers arrival of nuclear submarines by leaking information via their own Spanish press

Well, here we go again. Our supposed NATO friend and neighbour once again has behaved in a reckless manner endangering one of its allies!

On the 21/8/14 the USS Annapolis came for a short visit to the Royal Naval base in Gibraltar. The information on its arrival was known by the Spanish Ministry of Defence, which then appears to have leaked this information to the Spanish press. The Spanish press then published this information prior to the submarines arrival.

The Spanish press, by releasing this information, was knowingly endangering the submarine, it's crew and the surrounding area. It is well known, that no military information is given to the public about the arrivals or departures of nuclear submarines for obvious security and force protection reasons, The people who leaked this information were clearly well informed; information like this is very very difficult to come by.

The USS Annapolis is a Los Angeles type sub.This submarine is nuclear powered, it carries mark 8 torpedoes, tomahawk missiles and captor mines.

The leaking of the submarines location could have resulted in a dangerous situation, which could have resulted in the submarine being on the receiving en of a terrorist attack; all because of our irresponsible neighbour Spain having a grudge with Gibraltar!

An attack on this submarine could have seriously endangered the lives of people in Gibraltar and all the surrounding Campo area! This could have also negatively affected SPains own citizens outside Gibraltar!





On the 22/08/14, HMS Talent (British nuclear submarine) which came into port was on this occasion obstructed by a Spanish Guardia civil boat. The GC åurposefully broke the security cordon around the submarine - which lead to the Gibraltar Defence Police and the Royal Navy patrol boat having to intervene to warn the vessel off and subsequently escort the Spanish Paramilitary vessel out of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters,

The British and Gibraltar security forces have enough on their hands protecting these vessels, to have the paramilitaries of another nation interfering with their work! What if one of these Guardia Civil vessels had been commandeered by a terrorist group? It would make it very difficult for the GDP or Royal Navy to know what to do! That is if to stop them or just let it go as it is supposed to be the vessel of a NATO Ally who seems not to understand what security is all about!

Spain is supposed to be a NATO Ally and behaves in a manner that it is not supposed to. Someone needs to teach them a thing or two before they cause an international incident! It seems they do this just to intimidate Gibraltarians who are the 30 thousand people that live next door, and to make the Royal Navy look bad.

Gibraltar, or better said British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, suffer hundreds of incursions every year as the Spanish Government refuses to recognise that UK have clear sovereignty over these waters,

Well this time they have gone over what any NATO Ally should have to put up with! This is definitely not what is expected of Spain! They continue unchallenged and are putting all Allies at risk and that is not very intelligent at all! Sadly, this rampant childish behaviour is what we have come to expect from an immature neighbour to the north. This child needs to be introduced to a good spanking or the naughty step! Maybe then they will learn.


Press report + Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation
Unlawful incursion: Guardia Civil crosses path of Royal Navy submarine


A Civil Guard launch crossed the path of a nuclear powered submarine on its way to the Naval Base on Friday morning. In response to GBC questions, a spokesperson for the Foreign Office has described it as a “very serious incident”, and confirmed the FCO has already raised the matter with the Spanish Government.

HMS Talent was in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters when the Guardia Civil launch, the Rio Tormes, came towards it, behaving in what’s been described by the FCO as a “dangerous manner”. The Foreign Office says it will be issuing a formal written protest over this unlawful incursion, going on to say that given that the incident involved considerable risk and danger, it’s already raised concerns directly with Spain.

HMS Talent is the second submarine to berth on the Rock this week, after the American nuclear powered submarine Annapolis came in on Thursday. Advance notice was given in the Spanish media of HMS Talent’s arrival, despite the fact that submarine movements are generally kept secret for security reasons.

Spanish national newspaper El Mundo published an article about the two submarines to be berthed at the Rock. It looked ahead to the arrival of HMS Talent, citing unnamed sources who’d said they would probably coincide in port. Asked by GBC how the Spanish authorities – and subsequently the media - were aware of HMS Talent’s movements, an FCO spokesperson said for security reasons, it doesn’t comment on operational matters referring to ship visits.

The minesweeper, HMS Ramsey also stopped over yesterday on her way home. She conducted a security sweep of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters before stocking up on supplies.

(Photos courtesy of Tommy Finlayson)








On another note, we also have the Spanish government agreeing with the EU on sanctions against Russia due to the problems in Ukraine. But Spain violates these high level agreements and again as a NATO Ally by allowing the refuelling of Russian fleet ships in its port in Ceuta Surely not a very reliable NATO are they!

Is Spain playing games with the EU and NATO? Spain has the cheek to ask for a seat in the UN Security Council! + God help us all if they did as it seems that they don't know what side they are on! Can you now imagine the danger if they had to make a decision that could affect the whole world? The UN security council should never allow Spain to gain a seat; how can you give such responsibility to a country which hides the horrors of its dictatorship and pretends like nothing happened! A country which still celebrates and venorates the horrors it committed!

I think the Spanish government should get rid of that chip on its shoulder with Gibraltar which has been going on for over 300 years, They need to be reprimanded on their childish behaviour as by doing stupid moves like the ones I have mentioned, Spain is putting the well-being of many people at risk - including their own!

The worst now is they are trying to deny it - Spain is a joke but a very bad one! Here is the link of the video taken by Tommy Finlayson - http://youtu.be/TKDW6espEuo

Gerald Struggles

SPAIN CREATES POLITICALLY MOTIVATED FRONTIER QUEUES


CAUSES HAVOC FOR TOURISTS, LOCALS AND CROSS FRONTIER WORKERS STUCK IN SUMMER HEAT


WHERE IS THE EU AND THE UK? WHERE IS THEIR CONDEMNATION? ARE GIBRALTARIANS TO BE DENIED RIGHT TO FREE MOVEMENT DUE TO SPANISH FASCISM?


-------------------------------
DATE - THURSDAY 21st AUGUST
-------------------------------
LOCATION - GIBRALTAR
-------------------------------
SUBJECT - POLITICALLY MOTIVATED FRONTIER QUEUES
-------------------------------
DURATION OF QUEUES - 4 HOURS PLUS
-------------------------------
TEMPERATURE - 30 DEGRESS CELCIUS

-------------------------------

POLITICAL SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

-----------------------------------------------------------

We all know that in times of trouble, the Spanish Government can be predictably relied upon to pull out the Gibraltar card in order to distract the inhabitants of Spain from the real issues such as:




The protests against the Royal Family,

The corruption of the Royal Family,

The corruption of the Government,

The corruption of the elite PP,

The desire of Cataluna to be separate from Spain

The economic disaster Spain is in.




Nothing however, can compare to the huge storm brewing on the horizon, which is the potential collapse of Spains economy.


Recent statistics released by the Spanish Government have shown how its debt has INCREASED to:


***1.007 TRILLION EUROS***


That figure is equivalent to 98.5% of Spains GDP in 2013 - it will be 100% or more by the start of 2015. For reference, Spain's public debt is expected to top 100 per cent of GDP next year – far above the 60 percent ceiling agreed among European Union members.




Remember that the current situation in Spain has parallels with Argentina in 1981, where Argentina had been in the midst of a devastating economic stagnation and large-scale civil unrest against the military junta that had been governing the country since 1976. By choosing to invade the Falklands, the Argentine government had hoped to rally nationalistic and patriotic feelings of Argentines towards the islands, and in doing so divert attention from the country's dire and drastic economic problems, as well as the regime's ongoing human rights abuses.


Now I hope that Spain does not choose to go the way of Argentina, but the clouds gathering on the horizon cannot be ignored, especially when we see the increase of lies about Gibraltar flying unhindered through the Spanish airways; lies designed to dehumanise us Gibraltarians.


The one consolation here, is that us British Gibraltarians are pretty good at weathering storms.


-----------------------------------------------------

Mr Gareth R Gingell

COVER UPS IN THE INTERESTS OF GOOD RELATIONS?

On Saturday 9th August 2014, an incident of particular importance occurred in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, where a Guardia Civil drew a weapon and rammed a fishing vessel.

Although officially under investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), the silence associated with this incident is deafening, particularly from the Gibraltar Government and the FCO - are they trying to brush it aside in the interests of patching up an already deteriorating relationship with Spain?


THE INCIDENT ITSELF


On Saturday 9th August, in British waters just south of the lighthouse, two Gibraltarians were peacefully fishing in their small vessel (one of these individuals is a Civil servant). Sources have informed us that a Guardia Civil vessel approached the local boat and came alongside whilst still in BGTW, asking for the boat’s documents (this is a clear attempt to exert jurisdiction in British Waters). The person in control of the vessel then informed the Guardia Civil that as they were inside British waters they were under no obligation to comply with the request.


This is where it goes from bad to worse....


The Guardia Civil, obviously disenchanted and potentially deflated by such a pointed and informed reply, insisted in exercising jurisdictional control; one of the Guardia Civil members then drew a side arm and pointed it at the civil servant on board the fishing boat.

The individual in control of the fishing boat switched on the engine and fled from the area full-throttle, where they were then chased by the Guardia Civil vessel and rammed on 2 occasions. The RGP eventually arrived at the scene where the Guardia Civil alleged that the local fishing vessel had rammed their vessel (a fishing boat ram a large Guardia Civil paramilitary vessel? I wonder which smart cookie cooked that one up). The Guardia Civil expressed their intent to arrest the individuals and convey their vessel to Algeciras, but were told in no uncertain terms by the RGP crew which attended that this was not allowed.


SILENCE IS GOLDEN


Well it seems to all and sundry that this incident is being brushed under the carpet by the Convent, the UK Government, the Gibraltar Government and more than likely the RGP - why? If we look at it logically, it appears at first to be in the interests of all at this precarious moment; they would like to believe that these incidents are outside of the norm and to be set aside in the hope of an improvement in the relationship with Spain; and therein lies the fault.

The powers that be are hoping, hoping and praying, that the status quo will get better. Over the last 2 1/2 years, the powers that be have barked more than their bite, letting diplomacy take its course against a foe who perceives diplomacy as weakness and a sign that more action is needed. In that time, we have seen incident after incident after incident. 

This is despite the fact that just last year, the Guardia Civil were running around like cowboys shooting at locals on jet skis:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23044236

Video of Incident

I now find myself completely agreeing with a local journalist, Leo Olivero, who recently said in an article:




"Many people will find it difficult to accept that such a serious allegation on such a high-profile issue of great public interest, can be treated from a public perspective in such a low key fashion, not only by the RGP by making a one line comment but by the Government and the Convent.

The news also came on the day that Gibraltar was being bashed left, right and centre by the whole of the Spanish press after interpreting the EU’s Anti-Fraud Office’s letter as a massive victory for the PP Government, which for them justifies everything they are doing with the frontier controls. Here we had a serious incident in BGTW involving a civil servant, or it could have been anyone else for that matter. A story that could have poured cold water on the Spanish euphoria yesterday!

But again, Gibraltar got it wrong with the moral high ground syndrome, unlike the Spanish who do it so well, and use the news to their advantage, we are light years behind I am afraid."



I have also been told off the record by sources that the GoG has been adamant in enforcing the view that the witnesses statements were wrong, and that they were in Spanish waters.

My advice to you if you are a local with a sea faring vessel... be prepared to lay on the sacrificial altar, if this incident is anything to go by im afraid...

By Gareth R Gingell



Article by Leo Olivero on incident can be read here



-------------------

UPDATE*****

1 hour after posting this blog update, the Gibraltar Government issued this press release - what a coincidence :)

Another violation of sovereignty and a breach of the UN convention on the law of the sea.

SPANISH WARSHIP IN GIBRALTAR WATERS AGAIN - ANOTHER PROTEST IS EXPECTED

Source - GBC

Early Tuesday afternoon, there was another illegal incursion into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters by the Spanish Navy.

The Royal Navy challenged the 90 metre long patrol boat ‘Infanta Cristina’ in the waters off Europa Point. HMS Scimitar followed the Spanish vessel after she entered Gibraltar waters on the eastside of the Rock.

When contacted on VHF Radio, the Spanish vessel alleged she was in Spanish waters, as she did earlier this year in a similar incident. The Convent is treating this as a violation of sovereignty and a breach of the UN convention on the law of the sea. Another formal protest is expected.

Here is some raw footage that GBC cameraman Wille Bear managed to capture of the incursion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oooJYCRYlTA&feature=youtu.be



Photo Courtesy: John Joseph Fernandez

So once again the Spanish Navy think it is acceptable that they keep behaving like this...

What are our Government - Our Governor - Our UK Government and our FCO doing or going to do about it?

When will all the above realise that enough is enough! The bully and its threatening behaviour must be stopped!

The UN Security Council needs to sit-up and take special note regarding this behaviour, as this is clearly NOT what one would expect from a so called NATO ally, or worse still from a country attempting to woo its way into a seat on UN Security Council!

The behaviour of the Spanish apparatus is not only threatening in itself, but can be considered as an act of war! Do you Spain would have done the same in waters off the coast of Morocco? No - because Morocco shoots first and issues warnings later.

So which institution will finally find the strength and courage to tell SPAIN that they must stop this behaviour?


Will it be Our Governor?

Will it be our UK Government?

Will it be the UN?

Will it be the EU?


Who will finally stand up to this unacceptable behaviour that its sole intent is to threaten and terrorise a smaller country and its people?




Anne-Marie Struggles

Freedom of Movement within EU must never discriminate against anyone no matter their Nationality!

The solution proposed by Spain to resolve the border queues -by  providing a special pass and the use of  a channel only for Workers

This is discriminatory! This is illegal! This is not what EU, UN rights are about!



There is no way that the EU or UK or the FCO can allow this to be implemented. To provide special passes to Spanish workers to jump the queues is a blatant act of discrimination!

Who decides when crossing a border - who is more important or deserves special treatment by not queuing with the rest of the people traveling to and from Spain?

Surely if an exception should be made this would be towards anyone with Children, Disabled or elderly people in their vehicles? Why should a healthy worker take priority over these people?

PREAMBLE – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. 

Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. 

(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Right to move and right of residence for up to three months
All Union citizens have the right to enter another Member State by virtue of having an identity card or valid passport. Under no circumstances can an entry or exit visa be required.

Free Movement - EU nationals

Free movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the Treaty enshrined in Article 45 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and developed by EU secondary legislation and the Case law of the Court of Justice. EU citizens are entitled to:

• look for a job in another EU country   
• work there without needing a work permit
• reside there for that purpose
• stay there even after employment has finished
• enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages

What is clear on all the above is not a fundamental right for EU workers to jump any queues and at the detrimental of other human beings caught up in the queues - which we all know the Spanish Government give the orders to cause them on purpose for political means!

How can anyone justify that just because you live in Spain and work in Gibraltar that you have a right to not queue with the rest of the people in the queues - those people in the queues are tourists, locals going shopping or want to visit Spain from Gibraltar.

Facts:

•     All people are entitled to free movement – that means no discrimination and that includes no matter if you live in Spain and Work in Gibraltar or vice versa. So the very basis is illegal.

•     We will not agree to a special lane in Gibraltar for this – no special treatment that does not resolve the real issue here.

•     Remember that everyone caught in these queues are humans and should never suffer discrimination to cross the border.

•     This new move has only fed and revived more divisions amongst the people from both sides. (Divide and conquer) Remember that we have all worked hard to fight this border queues together from the beginning – DOG and ASTEG with other people from both sides giving water and helping anyway we could. So locals will be annoyed and asking that not only are they working in Gibraltar they will now have special treatment is adding insult to injury to what is already a very serious issue at the humane level.

•    The fact is that Spanish government distort the truth not only about Gibraltar and our people but what the real issue is at the BORDER-but everyone knows UK, Spain, EU United Nations etc that the problem can be resolved if just one entity stands up to the bully and says STOP USING THE BORDER as a political weapon! Someone has to tell Spain to behave as an Ally in Nato and a member of the EU in that they need to operate the Green and the red channels like everywhere else in Europe no more no less.

•    Checks – of course we want checks but in and out of Gibraltar and not excessively – people complain they feel they are treated like terrorists – they feel threatened – is this going to go away with this new pass solution? Of course not!

 

The reality is this and we should all act against this at least happening on our side of the Border. We may not  be able to stop Spain introducing this special pass and channel into Gibraltar but we can and we will not allow it to happen on Gibraltar's side - that is entry into Spain.

The simple reason is that we are a people who do not and will not discriminate in this way!

The Spanish MP and Algeciras Mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce welcomed the move as “protecting both Spanish commercial interests from contraband and the interests of Spanish workers.”

Well that is not a surprise - i can tell  you one truth anything that this man is in agreement means it is bad for Gibraltar and our people!

Spain have to wake up as do many institutions out there to the reality of the rights of the people of Gibraltar and as such stop trying to convince themselves of a non existence problem.

The queues at the border are not queues caused by so many workers coming in and out of Gibraltar but rather the truth be known and accepted once and for all is that Spain as in their Government cause these inhumane queues to hold Gibraltar at ransom, to distort the truths and destroy the economy.

If Spain just implemented more lanes and put into practice the correct use of the red and green channels - i can guarantee you all the queues would no longer be there as they are now!

We need people from all over the world to help stop more discrimination happening and ensure that within the EU - in Schengen or not this discrimination

has to stop!

We have to think about all people!

Our Tourists = Our Economy!

 Anne-Marie Struggles