Virtus Slams Andorran Parties for Misusing Iceland Referendum on EU Deal
Conservative group Virtus condemns partisan use of Iceland's EU referendum by Andorran parties against the EU association agreement. It calls for accurate context, restraint from all sides, and diplomacy preserving Andorra's balance with co-princes France and Spain.
Key Points
- Virtus rejects claims that Iceland's vote rejects EU outright, clarifying it was about resuming membership talks.
- Group criticizes Minister Imma Tor's statements for putting Andorra in uncomfortable position.
- Virtus urges prudence in foreign policy, citing 'fer-se l'andorrà' maxim.
- Calls for diplomatic respect and dialogue with France and Spain.
Virtus, the conservative political group, has criticised Andorran parties opposing the EU association agreement for misinterpreting Iceland's recent referendum on EU matters to influence public opinion.
The group rejected claims by some parties that the Icelandic vote signals outright rejection of the EU. Instead, Virtus emphasised that the ballot addressed resuming negotiations for potential full membership in the future, given Iceland's status outside the bloc. It urged opponents to defend their stance with robust arguments rather than invoking the case in a "partisan and unilateral" manner.
Virtus also took aim at statements from Minister Imma Tor on the referendum, arguing that they placed Andorra in a "very uncomfortable position." The group suggested her comments would have been "entirely accurate and prudent" had they precisely outlined the vote's scope.
Adopting a cautious approach to the association agreement itself, Virtus referenced maxim 28 from the Manual Digest—"fer-se l'andorrà"—to stress prudence in foreign policy. It called on both the government and opposition to exercise restraint in their rhetoric.
The formation advocated a diplomatic strategy based on respect, dialogue, and cooperation, especially with co-princes France and Spain. Virtus invoked the writings of Antoni Fiter i Rossell to highlight Andorra's longstanding tradition of balanced, discreet engagement with international partners.
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