"Democracy and human rights have their price", says José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on the rising cost of oil
President's News - 2011.3.3
"We must always maintain balance and respect. We mustn't intervene or dictate actions to others. The change must come from the people themselves". That is the position held by the Spanish Government as expressed by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in an interview with Al Jazeera during his recent visit to Qatar.
In the interview, the President of the Government recognised that the reforms were not expected to take place with "such strength and speed" but that "in light of the profound changes in Tunisia and Egypt, and perhaps Libya, we are pleased, and the Tunisian and Egyptian people deserve our support. We must listen to them and help them".
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero also emphasised that Spain "has reacted quickly, always from a standpoint of balance and respect". "Early intervention", said the President of the Government, "could be construed as wrong and suspicious. The young people in Egypt and Tunisia don't need what the European Governments say". He also explained how the Government followed the process. "We were observing the changes, we listened to the various sides and, when the change occurred and the people clearly expressed their will, we expressed our support".
The President of the Government was firm in his statement that "we are supporting all the changes and moves towards democracy. We respect human rights and freedoms. I wish for other countries to experience what took place in my own country but we cannot act as a police force and impose ourselves".
He also called for respect for international legitimacy.
Democracy and human rights
Regarding Spain's position over the situation in Libya, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero insisted that it is the same as the position held by Great Britain, Italy and Germany. "Bloodshed must be avoided. Gaddafi and his regime must take steps towards peaceful reform. This situation will lead to more pain if it continues".
When asked about the conflict of interests that could arise for the Spanish companies in the region, the President of the Government admitted that the oil companies have been forced to leave Libya, "but these companies will recover their activities once things return to normal. Every country has its interests and interests related to energy are very important, but there are yet more important interests related to democracy and human rights".
In this regard, he added that "what is clear is that the interests of Spain in the countries of North Africa are interests of broad cooperation. We have investment companies there and there are a large number of North African citizens living in Spain".
Al Jazeera