Spain appears to ease opposition to an independent Scotland in EU
Scotland would have to leave the EU with Britain, and ‘the rest we will see’, says Spanish minister
Armenians voted for a new parliament on Sunday in a closely fought race between the ruling party and a former coalition partner that heralds the start of a parliamentary system of government. MADRID: Spain, at loggerheads with Britain over
Under constitutional changes Gibraltar, appears to be easing its opposition to an critics say were designed to prolong independent Scotland in the European Union, saying the political life of President Serzh it would not block such a move at least initially. Sarksyan, parliament, not voters, The Scottish independence drive — now will elect the president for the first resuscitated by the prospect of Britain’s departure time. That role will become largely from the EU — is highly controversial in Spain ceremonial while the office of prime because of the secessionist movement in Catalonia. minister will become more powerful. As a result, Madrid has long been seen as an
Voting got under way at 0400 obstacle to an independent Scotland joining the EU GMT and would last until 1600 GMT after Brexit. But its Foreign Minister, Alfonso Dastis, in the country with about 2.6 million His alliance has ruled in coalition threw that in doubt on Sunday. eligible voters. with the RPA before, but it is not clear “Initially, I don’t think we would block it,” he said
Sarksyan, the 62-year-old leader whether it would agree to do so again in an interview published in El Pais. of the ruling Republican Party of if, as expected, it fails to win enough However, he added Scotland would have to leave Armenia (RPA), has repeatedly support to rule alone. the EU with Britain, and “the rest we will see”. denied that the changes, which The ruling party still wields He also said Spain did not welcome fragmentation were approved by the electorate in a considerable support and its main of the Europe. December 2015 referendum, were campaigner, Prime Minister Karen “Having said that, if, in application of its laws, the made for his benefit. Karapetyan, who was appointed in outcome of that process is a division of the United wants to remain British, is “implacable”. “In Scotland there was a referendum in
He has been president since 2008 September, is a popular figure and Kingdom, any part of the United Kingdom that Dastis refused talk about veto rights when it accordance with the laws,” he said, referring to the but his second term expires next year. the RPA candidate for the post of the becomes a state and wants to join the EU will have comes to Gibraltar but said he viewed the EU’s stance 2104 vote to remain in Britain. “In Spain it can not be Under the new system, critics say, he prime minister after this vote. to apply. And follow the steps that are stipulated,” he very positively. in accordance with the Constitution. They (Scotland could keep wielding executive power “I’m very optimistic, but time will said. “When the United Kingdom leaves the EU, the and Catalonia) are not comparable cases.” by becoming prime minister, stay show (who will win),” he said after The comments come after a week in which the EU partner is Spain, and in the case of Gibraltar the Catalonia has vowed to hold an official active by remaining leader of the RPA voting. issue of Gibraltar, a British oversees territory on EU is therefore obliged to take the side of Spain,” referendum on its potential split from Spain later this or quit politics but keep year.exercisingManyArmenians,however,accuseSpain’ssouthcoast,hasstirredtensionsbetweenhesaid.“Idonotthinkit’snecessarytotalkabout influence via a handpickedD successor. the government of corruption and of London and Madrid. vetoes”. astis said its stance to not bloc attempts by
The outcome of Sunday’s vote mishandling the troubled economy. The EU has said that, following Brexit itself, no Dastis said that Spain’s stance to not bloc attempts Scotland to join the EU had nothing to do with was difficult to predict, with polls Armenia depends heavily for aid future EU-Britain pact that affects Gibraltar can be by Scotland to join the EU had nothing to do with Catalonia. “In Scotland there was a referendum showing the RPA neck-and-neck with and investment on Russia, which has made without Madrid’s approval. Catalonia, where a vehemently pro-independence in accordance with the laws. In Spain it can not be an opposition alliance led by wealthy been hard hit in the past three years by Britain has reacted sharply, saying its support local administration took power in 2015 and with in accordance with the Constitution. They are not businessman Gagik Tsarukyan. an economic downturn. for the territory, ceded by Spain in 1713 and which whom tensions are high. comparable cases”, Dastis said. — dpa