A Spanish Foreign Minister stepping into Gibraltar is a unique moment in history. Its boldness has set off the opposition parties, in Gibraltar and Spain, into calls of protest.

Gibraltar has participated in the trilateral talks for some three years and it was Miguel Angel Moratinos who signalled a new policy that would commence by separating the continuing pursuit of Spain's historic claim from the need today for improved human, social and economic relations between Gibraltar and Spain and with the Campo in particular.

 

We have yet to see what device has been used to neutralise the waters issue that last week threatened to scupper the meeting. None of the great and good of the Spanish press seem to have extracted the text of the decision but Chief Minister Peter Caruana has staked his reputation on there having been no gain by Spain. But he evidently recognises the fact , rightly stressed by the Opposition, that the designation of waters by Spain is unacceptable and will have to be annulled.

Where the court action will take the issue remains to be seen but it is clear that there could always be arguments found by factions in Spain or Gibraltar to make against such a visit.

This may not be a voyage to the moon but with one small step Sr Moratinos takes the human face of Spanish politics a great leap forward. His conviction should be applauded. But he will have to hear and see first hand why Spain’s claim is not acceptable to us.

Dialogue is the only way to progress. The designation of the waters is very likely to backfire on Spain when tested and has been a short term placation of the PP's short sighted approach to the Gibraltar question.

Being in Gibraltar may remove an old taboo that has haunted Spanish political history, but Sr Moratinos is only stepping where millions of his citizens have already been welcomed for two decades. The visit is not a political win for any side - but it signals something deeper has changed in modern Spain's regard for the Gibraltarians.