GLASGOW, September 14 (RIA Novosti), Mark Hirst – Donald MacLaren, a former British Ambassador to Georgia who also served with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Moscow, Berlin and Cuba, declared his support for Scottish independence Sunday.
"Today's reality is that, with the Union, we continue to float downwards. History moves on. Scotland, at least, is willing and able to make it," MacLaren said in a statement.
"But could an independent Scotland really have a serious foreign policy and adequate representation abroad? I tell you, there are plenty of Scots and non-Scots in the Foreign Office and in every other branch of government who are ready to swap shaughly Union decision-making for the creativeness and vigor of real responsibility within a Scotland making its new way in the world," he added.
"As to foreign policy, the UK has long since lost the instinct and determination to make policy and to influence," the former diplomat noted. "When asked for clarity on so many issues, the Ministerial mantra is: "We are consulting closely with our partners." Clinging desperately to our seat at the "top table" has become a mask for indecisiveness and lack of leadership."
Donald MacLaren was British Head of Mission in Cuba, Venezuela and Ukraine before becoming UK Ambassador to Georgia from 2004 and 2007.
The referendum on Scottish independence will take place on September 18 and will determine whether Scotland will become an independent country after 307 years of being a part of Great Britain.
