Spain eliminates Straits of Gibraltar marine bird sanctuary

Cory's Shearwater

SPAIN (El País / Rafael Méndez) Spanish diplomacy has prevailed over environmental protection. On Tuesday, the Environment Ministry published its proposed list of the maritime areas that it wants the government to declare as national preserves. However, in an effort to head off any diplomatic spats, ministry officials have eliminated three areas located in international waters, including two that are in an area of jurisdiction that is disputed with Gibraltar and Morocco. Nevertheless, environmentalists are praising the government's move to declare 41 other areas as marine bird sanctuaries, saying that "it is a big step forward" in Spanish conservation efforts.>>>

Spaniard named as EU special representative for the southern Mediterranean

EUROPEAN UNION (El Pais) European Union foreign ministers have formally confirmed the appointment of Spanish diplomat Bernardino León as EU special envoy for the southern Mediterranean. The final selection of the current aide to Prime Minister Zapatero was a simple procedure which took place at the beginning of a meeting held on Monday in Brussels. León will get to work at his new post immediately. "I think he will travel to Tunisia and Egypt," the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, mentioned upon her arrival at the European Union Council. The Spaniard will appear before the European Parliament after the summer break.>>>