The President of the Government responded to questions from the press that the Government has acted diligently, and with the prudence and discretion the situation demands. Such situation is not new to the Executive. It is this experience that has led the Government to act with due diligence and discretion, aware that this will determine the length and outcome of the hijacking, he said.
"I would like to make a plea to everyone to be extremely prudent in their assessments and reporting of information. The Government knows what it must do and hopes to bring this situation to a successful ending, said Rodríguez Zapatero. The President of the Government appealed for prudence and discretion in particular from the media, since it is clear that any question posed to members of the Government on this matter is carefully read by the hijackers.
Similarly, the President of the Government urged the families to be understanding and contextualise the messages coming from the crew members being held. President Rodriguez Zapatero vowed the crew's families can rest assured the Government has resorted and will keep resorting to "all the political and legal means available, as well as diplomacy and intelligence".
Lastly, Mr. Rodriguez Zapatero requested support on this issue for the Government, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, the Environment and Defence, and the Vice-Presidency, who have all been working on a solution from the start. Mariano Rajoy, the leader of the main opposition party, has expressed his party's support for the Government.
"The Government knows what is doing, and the situation seems to be on the right track," he maintained, and reasserted his plea for support and prudence.
Spain-Poland bilateral summit
Regarding the agreements signed with Poland during this summit, the President of the Government stated that Spanish funds to Poland will be implemented to protect the environment. He commended the agreements signed cover issues such as the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, the increase in collaboration between the two countries, the fight against climate change and the acquisition of greenhouse gas emissions rights, as well as infrastructure.
Likewise, President Rodriguez Zapatero expressed his satisfaction that both countries agree on the necessity to take the Lisbon Treaty on the right track, especially as regards the choice of President of the Commission and High Representative. The above-mentioned right track concerns not only the person appointed to the post but the process itself which, Rodríguez Zapatero pointed out, must be subject to an open and democratic debate.
Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall
On the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Mr. Rodríguez Zapatero acknowledged Poland's efforts to help bring liberty and democracy to Eastern Europe.
The President of the Government also pointed out that because the fall of the Berlin Wall was peaceful, it made such an imprint on European memory.