Post by Focus on Jun 25, 2013 18:57:22 GMT
* Shots fired in British territorial waters on Sunday evening
* Jet ski rider says no warning was given before shots were fired
* He is 'disappointed and distraught' over the incident
* Minister for Europe David Lidington has protested to Spanish government
Spanish police fired shots at a British jet skier in Gibraltar on Sunday evening in an incident which the UK Government today condemned as being 'completely unacceptable'.
The male rider of the jet ski claimed he was chased by a Guardia Civil boat in British Gibraltar territorial waters at 7 pm on Sunday.
He claimed four shots were fired at him and his passenger without any warning being given.
The Foreign Office today protested to the Spanish Government over the 'completely unacceptable' use of a weapon and demanded an urgent investigation.
Anger : The government has criticized Spanish police after shots were fired at British jet skiers in Gibraltar
Speaking to Vox, the jet ski rider said he had been taking friends and family members on rides on a new Jet Ski in the Western Bay area of the island.
He says he was not involved in any illegal activities, such as tobacco smuggling.
He claims there was no reason for the shooting, which has left him feeling 'disappointed and distraught'.
He said: 'During the journey in question, I left Western beach, always staying within the confines of British Waters, and hugging the coast.
'At the entrance to the north mole, I turned around and made my way back to Western Beach.
Worrying : The jet ski rider said he had been taking friends and family members on rides. This picture shows the Guardia Civil vessel, left, approaching the jet ski, right
Dramatic : This video footage shows the jet ski, right, being chased by the Guardia Civil vessel, left
'It was on the journey back, that my friend made me aware that a Guardia Civil vessel had turned around and begun to chase me.
'The vessel quickly caught up with me, where I could just about make out 3 individuals, one of whom was carrying a black weapon about a metre in length which was aimed towards our jet ski.
'At this point, I was in fear for our safety and wanted to get back onto the beach away from the threat.
'Suddenly, shots were fired, and I had to perform evasive manouvers in order to avoid being an easy target for the person carrying the weapon, and also to avoid being run down by the substantially larger vessel.
'Somehow, after what I recall hearing at least 4 separate shots, I made it past the entrance into western beach, which lies at the end of the airport runway.
'Upon landing at the beach, I approached a Police Constable who reported the incident immediately to the Central Station.'
Minister for Europe David Lidington today protested to Spanish Minister, Íñigo Mendez de Vigo.
Shooting : This map shows how the incident unfolded
Demands : The British government has urged the Spanish government to investigate the shooting incident .This picture shows the Rock of Gibraltar
He said: 'I spoke today with Spanish Minister for the European Union, Íñigo Mendez de Vigo, in order to protest in the strongest terms following an incident on 23 June in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW).
'During an illegal incursion by a Guardia Civil vessel, a Guardia Civil officer fired a weapon.
'I made clear that the discharge of a weapon in or near Gibraltar is completely unacceptable. I urged Señor Mendez de Vigo to investigate urgently and to take action to ensure that this will not happen again.
'I can also confirm that I have instructed the Chargé D’Affaires in Madrid to reiterate this protest in person to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to request a full explanation.'
CENTURIES OF PAINFUL CONFLICT
The sovereignty of Gibraltar is a major source of tension between the UK and Spain.
Both in 1967 and 2002, the people of Gibraltar rejected proposals for Spanish sovereignty.
Yet, despite this, Spain still asserts a claim to the territory.
The tension began in 1704 when an Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar from Spain during the war of the Spanish succession.
The territory was then ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.
Historically, it has proved to be an important base for the Royal Navy.
Now, its economy is based on tourism, financial services and shipping.
Under the 2006 constitution of Gibraltar, the territory governs its own affairs although defence and foreign relations are still the responsibility of the UK Government.
Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, it is an area of 6.8 square kilometers.
Now I wonder what Spain has got it's knickers in a twist for?? - Fx
