Caruana admits to problems with Forum talks

GIBRALTAR (Agencies) In an interview with Onda Cero Radio of Algeciras,  Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana said "there are problems at present" with the Tripartite Forum talks, although he added that these "remain open" and he looks forward to setting the date for the next meeting, which, he believes "will be before the end of the year." As for criticism about the landfill for Eastern Beach, Caruana said, "at the moment this is not being carried out," although he admitted it had been in the past "and will probably continue into the future." The Chief Minister added that the landfill is being done "in waters we believe are ours." On the subject of sovereignty over the waters, Caruana said that he has "recommended" to the UK that the matter be presented at the international courts, "so that we're not still arguing about it for another 300 years." He said also that "it is a pure invention" that the Treaty of Utrecht says that Gibraltar has no jurisdiction over its waters.