Interview with the President of the Government broadcast by Al Jazeera on Thursday 3 March

Question. You are the first Western head of Government to visit Tunisia and follow what is happening in the countries of the Southern Mediterranean, all of which are your neighbours. Have the uprisings that have taken place there surprised you?

Answer. The concentration and speed of events occurring had not been anticipated, with profound changes in Tunisia and in Egypt occurring, and perhaps some in Libya. We are pleased about the changes and the Tunisian and Egyptian people warrant our support. We must listen to them and help them.

Q. Why have you delayed in declaring the Spanish position on these uprisings?

A. We haven't delayed, we have reacted rapidly. It is not a simple issue. We always have to maintain balance and respect. We should not intervene or dictate to others. It is the people who are dictating the change. An early intervention could be seen as a mistake and arouse suspicion. The young people of Egypt and Tunisian do not need what the European Governments say.

Q. But right up to the last minute, and before the former President of Tunisia, Bin Ali, left, Spain maintained an unclear position.

A. No, we were observing the changes, listening to the different parties and, when change came and the people clearly expressed their wish, we expressed our support. I always insist on respecting the people and popular movements, and now we are showing an effective commitment to support democracy and support for the economy of these countries. This turnaround would not happen if these young people were not very close to the realities of their countries, if they did not have a good level of conscience and education.

Q. The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany have urged Gaddafi to go, what is Spain's position?

A. We adopt the same position as the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. Bloodshed has to be avoided. Gaddafi and his regime must take steps towards peaceful reform. If this situation continues it will mean more suffering. The international community expressed its opinion by consensus, urging Gaddafi to stop what he is doing.

Q. Does that mean that you are telling him that he should go?

A. Yes, and very clearly.

Q. Your relations with the countries of the southern Mediterranean are based on mutual interests. Does this not affect human rights and support for democracy?

A. I don't think that is the issue. We are also now paying high prices for oil, in the name of democracy. Democracy and human rights have their price. What is clear is that Spain's interests in the countries of North Africa are interests for extensive cooperation. We have companies who have invested there and also a significant number of citizens from North Africa live in Spain.

Q. Are Spanish companies now having to suspend their operations due to the changes in the region?

A. We have seen this problem in Libya. Spanish oil companies have been forced to leave Libya, but these companies will get their operations up and running again after the return to normality. All countries have their interests and interests related with energy are very important, but there are also more important interests related with democracy and human rights. Change cannot be imposed from abroad; it comes from within a country.

Q. You are in favour of the people but not of the regimes; nevertheless, we still do not know what your position is with respect to the uprisings in Yemen or Bahrain?

A. Our position is the same. We support all changes and towards democracy. We respect human rights and freedom. I hope the same for other countries as occurred in my country, but we cannot be the police and impose ourselves. We know there have been interventions outside of the framework of international legitimacy, but I insist on respect for international legitimacy. Democratic reforms always have to be supported.

Q. You have visited Qatar and you are signing contracts for the supply of gas. Is this due to concerns regarding what could happen in Algeria, the main supplier of gas to Spain?

A. Yes, we import gas from Bahrain and from Qatar, but we do not have problems or risks in obtaining it as we have various sources from other countries. It is true that we import 80% from gas and oil producing countries.

Q. How do you view your relations with Morocco, in the light of the continuing dispute about Ceuta and Melilla?

A. We have good relations with Morocco, with mutual respect, friendship, neighbourliness. We also have common cultural and economic interests. We have great respect, especially on vital and delicate issues. Ceuta and Melilla are one of these vital issues.

Q. Some years ago, Spain supported the Moroccan proposal on the Sahara conflict. What are the most appropriate solutions to the conflict?

A. History has taught us a lot, especially with respect to the Sahara issue. Spain supports an agreement between the Saharawi and Moroccan people; we respect and support the negotiations between both parties. The United Nations is also involved in negotiations. We hope that an agreement can be reached through talks; this is not easy, but we are prepared to help. Stability in this area is important. I am confident about the effectiveness of negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front. We hope that the current changes in the Arab world will contribute to reaching an agreement and peaceful coexistence. We will never stand in the way of a rapprochement and an agreement between the parties in crisis.

Q. I would have liked this interview to have been conducted by the journalist Taisir Aluni, who has been sentenced without real charges. What do you think?

A. Justice in my country is independent and therefore we respect what it decides and we cannot pass judgement on what it decides.