National shame
Updated: 12-Sep-2003
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• A little bit of Portugal in Spain?
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Olivença is situated in the Alto Alentejo, on the left bank of the River Guadiana. Portugal claims that Olivença is Portuguese territory, illegally occupied by Spain. Owing to the dispute, the border between the two countries in the Olivença region has never been defined. Olivença became part of Portuguese territory in 1297, through the Alcanizes Treaty, signed by King Dinis of Portugal and King Fernando IV of Castela.
Since then, many disputes have ensued, with the Spanish claiming that Olivença is now part of Spain. For almost two centuries, the Portuguese State has taken steps to have the territory of Olivença restored. Several international treaties and bilateral contracts between Spain and Portugal have been signed. However, as yet, the transference of sovereignty has never materialised and it is reported that the current Portuguese government has not made any steps to resolve the dispute.
Mário Rodrigues, spokesman for the group, Fórum Olivença, believes that the fact that a well-known international institution, such as the CIA, has recognised the territorial dispute is something that Portuguese politicians should be ashamed of. “Our politicians are not patriotic, unlike the Spanish,” he explained. “The fact that the CIA has officially recognised our struggle, gives strength and courage to those who defend the cause. This report could represent a psychological and moral embarrassment for the Ministry of Foreign Negotiations. Its web site does not have one single reference to the dispute surrounding the territory of Olivença and neither does any other official Portuguese web site.”
Rodrigues claims that Portuguese politicians are embarrassed to assume that Portugal has sovereignty rights over Olivença and he believes that the dispute is regarded as a thorn in Portugal’s side. “The organisation Fórum Olivença, will fight hard for the restoration of Olivença to Portugal,” he said. The organisation will also present a dossier to the International Court of Justice, stating Portugal’s case. “Only States can present cases to the International Court of Justice,” he explained, “but as the Portuguese have not done this and will not do this, we will campaign ourselves.”
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