Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Monday that the future of Gibraltar, a rocky UK territory on Spain's southern coast, will not hamper the talks on the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.
MADRID (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2018) Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said on Monday that the future of Gibraltar, a rocky UK territory on Spain's southern coast, will not hamper the talks on the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.
"I don't think Gibraltar is a problem. There is a protocol in the draft agreement, and this protocol was agreed with the UK, so Gibraltar is not a rock in the way," Borrell said in an interview.
Gibraltar was handed over to Britain in the 18th century but Spain continues to lay claims to it. It will depart the European Union on March 29, 2019 together with the United Kingdom.
Talks between London and Madrid were slowed down by disagreements over tobacco smuggling, fishing, customs, finances, tax evasion and the airport.
Striking a more serious tone, Borrell added that the Irish border was a more serious problem, adding that he found it hard to believe that Brexit negotiators would not reach a deal.
EU and UK negotiators met on Sunday for last-ditch talks, which again stumbled on the issue of what happens to Northern Ireland's southern border after London quits the European Union.
The talks on UK's withdrawal plan are scheduled to continue at the European Council's summit on Wednesday and Thursday. Negotiations may also continue at an extraordinary EU summit in November.
