Peace platform condemns upcoming military exercises
The Canary Islands Platform for Peace, Against NATO, and for Neutrality has publicly denounced a series of military maneuvers scheduled to begin on the islands this Monday. In a strongly-worded statement released this Sunday, the group accused the Spanish government and the Atlantic Alliance of once again transforming the archipelago into a “war laboratory.”
Details of the planned NATO operations
The platform specifically referenced the Eagle Eye 25-03 exercise, which will see six F-18 fighter jets from the Spanish Air Force operating from Monday through September 21st. Additionally, they criticized the Synergy 25 exercises, which involve the deployment of anti-aircraft systems, frigates, and military personnel at the Gando Base and its surrounding areas.
A strategic alignment with NATO
The group interprets these activities as part of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s strategy to deepen Spain’s commitment to NATO and the international military escalation of what they term the “Anglo-Saxon imperialist axis.” This commitment, the statement notes, was confirmed by Sánchez himself when he announced that Spain would send air resources to NATO’s new security deployment on the Eastern flank of Europe, supplementing forces already stationed in Latvia and Lithuania for “as long as necessary.”
Opposition to the militarization of the islands
“Once again, we vehemently oppose our territory—our land, sea, and air—being used to rehearse for wars,” argue the signatories of the protest. “The islands are not an aircraft carrier for NATO or for imperialism. The increasing militarization of the Canary Islands turns us into a military target in any international conflict and puts the lives of our people at risk.”
Reaffirming a historic mandate for neutrality
The platform emphasized that “the Canarian people already said ‘no’ to NATO in the 1986 referendum,” a mandate they believe “remains in force today.” Consequently, they are demanding the “demilitarization of the Canary Islands and its recognition as a zone of peace and neutrality.”
A call for legal protection
Furthermore, the group is calling on the Regional Parliament and Government to promote a Statute of Neutrality for the Canary Islands. This proposed legal framework would “guarantee that the islands do not participate in wars driven by NATO.” The platform firmly believes that “the security of the Canary Islands will only become a reality if the islands succeed in becoming a neutral territory,” safeguarding their unique position and community.
