Madrid, London and Gibraltar to resume talks on an ad hoc basis

Spain, the United Kingdom and Gibraltar agreed in October 2014 to set up a new, ad hoc forum to discuss matters relating to regional cooperation, leaving to one side the sensitive issue of the British Overseas Territory’s status.

The new arrangement came two years after the current Spanish government refused to accept the presence of Gibraltar at talks. Since then, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has taken a tough stance over the territory.

The meetings of the forum were likely to be on neutral territory, possibly Brussels.

ESO: Background information: Gibraltar: The ongoing confrontation http://www.europeansources.info/record/gibraltar-the-ongoing-confrontation/

BBC News, 21.10.14: Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo on its future http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29706304

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