Spain renews claim to Gibraltar

Gibraltar has been under dispute for 300 years

The Spanish prime minister has declared Spain will never cede its claim to sovereignty over Gibraltar, only days before he is due to meet UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to discuss its future.

Jose Maria Aznar told The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday: "Spain will always aspire to having complete sovereignty over Gibraltar."

His remarks will be seen as inflammatory ahead of Mr Straw's visit, which is aimed at brokering a deal between the two governments by July.

Mr Straw is hoping to persuade the people of Gibraltar to agree to a proposal for joint sovereignty with the Spanish.

Mr Straw insists on a referendum for Gibraltar

The proposal is designed at easing travel, customs and other problems associated with the continuing dispute over the colony.

Gibraltar's chief minister, Peter Caruana, who has consistently been opposed to the proposed deal, is expected to draw on Mr Aznar's remarks during his meeting with Mr Straw on Friday.

Mr Aznar said in his interview on Tuesday that the agreement being planned would offer the best prospects for Gibraltar's 30,000 residents, and promised that they would enjoy "ample self-government".

Demonstrations

But Mr Straw has insisted Gibraltarians are entitled to decide their sovereignty.

Gibraltarians have so far voiced loud opposition to any change in their status, making their feelings known with mass demonstrations.

Spain has been trying to get the Rock back ever since it ceded Gibraltar to Britain nearly 300 years ago.

It is unlikely to give up its claim, so a deal will have to be crafted which allows Spain to keep face.

Many Gibraltarians feel betrayed by Britain's plans

The Conservatives have consistently sought assurances that British ministers will not "sell out" the people of Gibraltar in a 'back door' deal.

But Mr Straw has defended his decision and said he is continuing the process of negotiation begun under the previous Conservative administration.