Spanish co-prince for Gibraltar?
by our Political correspondent
With Gibraltar always regarded as solid on its British credentials, the decision by the Chief Minister Peter Caruana to suggest an Andorra status for the Rock has caused a stir both locally and abroad.
Reports in English-language media say that Mr Caruana is urging 'joint rule with Spain', because Andorra is deemed to be something of a joint sovereignty situation between Spain and France.
In Spain it is seen as odd that Mr Caruana, who promoted the referendum in 2002 against joint sovereignty, should now be putting forward an Andorra-style solution.
An Andorra-style solution would dilute British sovereignty, which will not be understood by the very many British friends we have in the UK. When Gibraltar opposed joint sovereignty the pro-Gibraltar response in Britain was overwhelming.
Mr Caruana is now suggesting that an Andorra deal would have to be put to the Gibraltarians in a referendum - but that is what the then foreign secretary Jack Straw offered in his deal with Spain!
Mr Caruana discards the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713 and says that what Gibraltar needs is a 'modern' solution - 'In the 21st century we cannot have a solution from the 18th century' he says - but what he is offering finds its roots in feudal times!
It is the case that Andorra was forced by the EU to change its constitution in 1993. That new Constitution retains the two co-princes, one appointed by France and the other by Spain, who are 'the highest representation' in Andorra. Presumably, Gibraltar would have a Spanish co-prince and a UK co-prince, under what Mr Caruana wants.
As is well known, any dilution of Gibraltar's sovereignty in favour of Spain causes concern, as Gibraltar wants to remain fully Gibraltarian and fully British, while giving any power to Spain gives rise to the saying 'Give Spain an inch and they will take a mile!'
29-11-10
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Celebrations with the flags of Gibraltar and the United Kingdom 
Chief Minister of Gibraltar  has been discussing the possibility of the British overseas territory having joint sovereignty with Spain. He suggested that Gibraltar take an Andorra-style status.

Caruana's suggestion has caused controversy in both Gibraltar and the United Kingdom. Many people in Gibraltar have said they want to remain British and Gibraltarian. The media in Gibraltar has also spoken out against the move using the phrase "Give Spain an inch and they will take a mile!" His decision has come as a surprise; in 2002 Caruana announced a  against joint sovereignty. If the plan goes ahead, another referendum would be held.

Andorra received their joint sovereignty in 1993. The move forced the European Union to change its constitution. Andorra has a joint deal with Spain and France.

Some Spanish politicians are worrying that the suggestion will be too heavily looked into during the 2012 Spanish general election. , Spain's minister for foreign affairs, has asked that it not be a part of their election agenda.

Liberal member Dr Joseph Garcia also commented on the event. He said “The Spanish claim to Gibraltar has always featured to a greater or lesser extent in every general election in Gibraltar and the next ones are not likely to be any different.”

He added that “There is serious concern on the Rock at the number and scale of Spanish incursions into Gibraltar's territorial sea. We had pointed out that the Guardia Civil were becoming increasingly reckless and cavalier in their intrusions into Gibraltar's waters. This was seen at the end of last year when they entered the Port of Gibraltar and actually landed on Gibraltar soil. There was also another extremely serious incursion in September of this year where the Guardia Civil removed a suspect who was about to be arrested by the  inside our territorial waters. They have shown a complete lack of respect for British sovereignty, jurisdiction and control over Gibraltar's territorial sea and it is imperative that these incursions cease forthwith before the matter escalates even further. Spain must understand that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Gibraltar is legally entitled to claim territorial waters of its own.”