Draft debate transcript produced now through the Senate Sessions Journal
Ms Maria Dolores GARCIA Cospedal, PARLIAMENTARY GROUP OF PEOPLE IN THE SENATE, IF ON THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AUTHORIZE THE REAL CITY AIRPORT TO INSTALL A MILITARY BASE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (No. Expe. S . 680/000605)
Mr. CHAIRMAN: Question Cospedal senator.
call on his lordship.
Cospedal
Mrs. Garcia: Thank you, Chairman.
Madam Minister, a few days ago, was published in various media that the company that owns the airport of Ciudad Real wanted to sell the infrastructure for the installation of a military base in the United States of America. Can the Government confirm or deny this news? In any case, will the Government inform this House whether he would authorize military use of the airport of Ciudad Real to a foreign power or a military contractor in a foreign country?
Thanks.
Mr. PRESIDENT: Thank you, Your Honor.
has the floor Minister of Defense.
The Minister of Defense (Chacón Piqueras): Thank you, Chairman.
Of course I can, Your Honor. The answer is no.
The Government has no intention of installing a military base at the airport in Ciudad Real, for three reasons. First, because the Government of Spain has no interest in it. The second, and quite importantly, Mrs. Cospedal, because the United States Government also has no interest in it. (Laughter and gossip on the benches of the Socialist Group.) No, it has been reported, not even suggested. Third and most importantly, if possible, because with the current legislation Honor is not possible.
As has been so categorical on the question, I would like to ask you another. After twenty-two months in this House ... (Rumors and protests in the seats of the Popular Parliamentary Group in the Senate .- Several Senators of the Popular Group: No, no, no.) ... Without ever taking the floor, unopened never the mouth, do not you think that his first question had to have at least a little bit of foundation? (Continue to rumors in the Popular Parliamentary Group seats in the Senate .- Several Senators spoken words that are not perceived .- .- Applause Laughter seats Parliamentary Group Socialist.)
Mr. PRESIDENT: Thank you, Your Honor.
the floor, Senator.
Cospedal Mrs. Garcia: Thank you, Chairman.
Madam Minister, I did not calculate out to bother you much my question. (Applause on the benches of the PP parliamentary group in the Senate.) Excuse me, I believe that senators of this House have the right to ask about anything that we consider of interest or the interest of the autonomous communities we represent. In this case, I represent that of Castilla-La Mancha.
In any case, I'm glad for the content of its response, which is not as obvious as you seem to imply. The fact that the law does not permit, does not mean that their Lordships were not able to. (Applause on the benches of the PP parliamentary group in the Senate.) In fact, in Castilla-La Mancha have been amended several laws to allow this could occur, that certain reclassifications in connection with the airport of Ciudad Real.
With the permission of their Lordships have to know all the English that the airport of Ciudad Real was born as a great hope for development of part of Castilla-La Mancha, a region hard hit by unemployment after twenty years of government socialist. (Rumors and protests in the seats of the parliamentary group Socialist.) An airport at which we thought ... (Several Senators Socialist parliamentary group pronounce words that are not seen.) Yes, we believe, ladies and gentlemen, we believe, not put you nervous.
Mr. PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, quiet please, quiet.
Cospedal Ms. GARCIA: ... And we believe. An airport-sponsored by all public authorities, because it is a private airport. (See the Minister of Development, López Blanco: Some, not all.) Some governments helped to win.
has been built with public money a branch of the AVE, has been built with public money a highway, there has been a lot of public money, and an airport with a budget that was initially given a budget-was multiplied by 3. And that rise in budget execution, together with the speculator and the excessive zeal of some to get rich taste, have made the airport in Ciudad Real suppose one of the most important causes of Castilla-La Mancha is going to be without Reference savings. (Applause on the benches of the PP parliamentary group in the Senate.)
And we have seen, and now I explain to you to change the laws, how to promote ...
Mr. PRESIDENT: My Lord, will end.
Mrs. DE Cospedal GARCIA: ... some of these issues. For example, in Castilla-La Mancha, Mr. Barreda has amended a law of the land to allow one of the largest urban balls ...
Mr. PRESIDENT: My Lord, I pray over. (Rumores.)
pray silently to their Lordships.
Cospedal Mrs. Carcia: conclude, Mr President, as soon as I leave their Lordships of the Socialist Party. (Rumores.)
In any case, I'm glad to be so blunt, Madam Minister, despite the onset of its response to the answer, because the style of the President of the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, to which I belong , has always remained in ambiguity.
Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause on the benches of the PP parliamentary group in the Senate.)
Mr. PRESIDENT: Thank you.
call on the Minister.
The Minister of Defense (Chacón Piqueras): Thank you, Mr. President.
Honor, your question does not bother, simply leaves one speechless. (Rumores.) Twenty-two months as a senator and all that has been able to read you are newspaper clippings? Because you had it too easy for itself answered this question. For example, you might have read the international conventions between Spain and the United States, you might have read the partnership agreement, signed in 1988 between Spain and the United States, which regulates the defense and security relations between the two countries, or, even easier, you could have read the protocol amendments revised the agreement in April 2002, by the way, at a time when you were just a member of that government. In fact, that might not have read, is that you should have come to this House having read all these documents.
So, Your Honor, there will be a military base at the airport in Ciudad Real because he does not want the Government of Spain because he does not want the United States and, above all, because not permitted by law. And agree with me that just astounded that you do not know the laws. (Protest in the Popular Parliamentary Group seats in the Senate .- Applause on the benches of the Socialist Group.)
Finally, you, who does not usually give much advice, let me give me one to you. Are about 2 years of term, the rate you go, it is still a question to ask in this House. (Rumores.)
Mr. PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, quiet.
The Minister of Defense (Chacón Piqueras): So, if you like, and all my compliments, the next time it is prepared a little more, just for a reason, because he deserves this House, and surely deserving citizens of Castilla-La Mancha. I expected more from you. (Applause on the benches of the Socialist Group .- Protests in the Popular Parliamentary Group seats in the Senate).
Mr. PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, quiet.