Spain, US Sign Joint Statement on Future Military RelationsSpain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Pique and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright signed a joint statement here Thursday as a framework for future military relations between the two countries.The document establishes the creation of a bilateral committee for defense and resumes the commitment to "closely cooperate in order to improve military installation modernization." At a joint press conference, Pique assured that the possible extension of the US Rota base lease will not compromise Spanish sovereignty or violate provisions stipulated in the 1989 Spanish- American Covenant. Concerning the US proposal to expand aircraft parking places at Rota, the minister explained that the government is analyzing and hopes to approve it, which will mean additional US investments. Albright stressed that bilateral dialogues regarding the Rota base were carried out "with absolute transparency" and the agreements will be implemented in a "cooperative and respectful" way for both parties. She emphasized that Spain is one of the US "closest and valued " allies, and the United States is willing to continue good relations with Spain in defense matters. She expressed her confidence that "this special relationship" between the two nations will continue under George W. Bush's presidential administration, which will begin on January 20. Albright arrived in Madrid on Thursday to sign the statement and met Spain's King and Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar at the Zarzuela Palace. |
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