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Spanish Warship Incursion into Gibraltar Waters |
gibfocus - 3rd July 2007
(2007-07-03 15:20:00 )
Observers have today pointed out to gibfocus that for the second day running a Spanish Naval Warship (Infanta Elene P76) has been "clearly seen sailing in Gibraltar waters with Spanish Colour flying from the top mast."
The report of the incursion comes after a jet plane, believed to have been a military aircraft, was spotted flying low over the Rock yesterday evening. Although the Ministry of Defence that the only plane flying at that time, around 7pm, over Gibraltar was flying at 34,000 ft, the trayectory and hieght of the aircraft from the ground was considered to be far lower than that claimed by the MOD. No aircraft was reported to have been flying over Gibraltar by the Spanish authorities at the time.
The two incidents coincide with the presence of the two Odyssey Marine Exploration vessels in Gibraltar and the continued critical state of alert in the UK.
The Spanish authorities have already indicated that they have the intention of arresting the two vessels. The presence of the Spanish naval vessel operating within Gibraltar waters is considered by some locals as an "an act of provocation or a warning to Oddessy."
However, with the ongoing crisis in the UK observers have also pointed out that under NATO agreement Spain would be required to assist the UK in the protection of its territory. Since 9/11 the implementation of NATO's Article 5 has seen aircraft and warships from NATO states patrol and assist other member states in its security measures against terrorism. With the UK under a Critical state of alert observers have indicated that the presence of Spanish military vessels and aircraft might not be a provocation, but part of an overall global policy in assisting allies in its security measures abroad. The presence of the Spanish warship has, however, caused some concern amongst locals who have noted its presence in the bay, and within Gibraltar waters. The vessel is believed to be berthing at the port of Algeciras since the decision to arrest the two Odyssey Marine Exploration vessels was given.
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