Blair and Falklands self-determination
Ken
Falklands : Prime Minister Upholds Falklands Self Determination
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 23.12.2005
(Current Article)
In his Christmas message to the Falklands the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon.
Mr. Tony Blair MP has said he will uphold Falklands Security and self
determination.
PRIME MINISTER'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE FALKLANDS
A Report for BBC World Service "Calling the Falklands" by Dee Palmer (DP)
23/12/05
Since the 1982 Conflict it has been traditional for the Prime Minister of
the day to appear on "Calling the Falklands" at this time of year to send a
message to the people of the Islands. Last week, I went along to 10 Downing
Street to record this year's message from the Rt. Hon. Mr. Tony Blair MP.
"I am delighted to have this chance, as we approach the end of the year, to
reflect on the last 12 months and send my best wishes to everyone of the
Islands.
It's been another busy - and at tomes - challenging year. I am not likely
to forget that elections were held in the UK and I also know that elections
took place on the Islands as well. I would like to welcome Andrea Clausen,
Janet Robertson, Richard Davies, Mike Rendell, and Richard Stevens to the
Council. These new faces join Richard Cockwell, Mike Summers and Ian
Hansen. I wish them all a successful and productive term in office.
But I would also like to congratulate everyone for the high voter turn-out
in the elections. It underlines the importance you place on healthy,
democratic Government. The new Council has, of course, many challenges to
face but there are also some great opportunities.
With stunning natural beauty, spectacular wildlife and an enviable
lifestyle, the prospects for tourism here are exciting. (*) The Tourist
Board's new brochure contains some stunning images, which I am sure will
help entice many more visitors to your beautiful Islands in the months and
years to come.
And, amongst those who visit regularly are Westminster Members of
Parliament. This is an important way of ensuring that MPs are aware of the
particular challenges you face. I know because they tell me what a lasting
impression these visits leave on MPs of both the beauty of the Islands and
the warmth of the welcome they receive.
Like me, they are pleased to hear about the developments taking place in
Agriculture and Fisheries on the Islands. There must be real pride in your
success in increasing exports of sheep meat so that turn-over has tripled
over the last three years. And, there have been important changes in the
way your fisheries are managed, with the introduction of long-term fishing
rights of Falklands' own Companies. I wish you well in your efforts to
safeguard the economic future of the fishing industry in the Islands, and
enhance the conservation of your marine resources.
I also want to thank those who have travelled long distances to represent
your Islands at international events and conferences. As the UK has chaired
both the G-8 and the European Union in the last 12 months, both of which
involve considerable travel, I know myself that such trips are not always as
glamorous as one might imagine. But I know, too, how important they are to
ensure your voice is heard and to increase understanding. So, I hope the
newly elected Council will continue this important representational work in
the New Year.
The last year has, of course, posed diplomatic challenges in our relations
with Argentina. We will, I promise, continue to work for productive
dialogue on areas of mutual interest, not least in order to enhance your
future security and prosperity.
As you know, The British Government Strongly supports your right to self
determination. So let me assure you that our commitment to uphold your
security and the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands continues.
May I end, as always, by wishing everyone who lives and works on the Islands
a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year."
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So, how about self-determination for Gib too? And what a pity that the
defence of the Falklands at the UN was left to an intervention by Joe
Bossano - the UK delegate was nowhere to be found when Argentina laid in to
them.
Ken