“Only the Falkland Islanders can be the masters of their future”
In an article published today the Foreign Secretary William Hague sets out why the future of the Falkland Islands can only be decided by its people themselves.
Last Saturday, the writer Simon Winchester and the Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman made the case for a negotiated handover of the Falklands. In this piece Foreign Secretary William Hague underlines that only the Islanders can be the masters of their future.
“We will never impose a different kind of political association, or agree to changes in sovereignty, unless and until the Islanders themselves wish it. This has been the policy of successive British governments”.
Likewise Hague said he sees no regional appetite for joining Argentina in its attempts to damage the Falkland Islands’ economy or target the livelihoods of Islanders.
“The future of the Falkland Islands is about people: their freedom to determine their own future and to develop their own community and economy. Thirty years after the Argentine invasion, their right to self-determination remains, and will always remain the cornerstone of our policy. This is in tune with the beliefs in human and political rights of the 21st century, but it is also rooted in history.
With the exception of the two months of occupation by Argentina in 1982, the Falklands have been continuously and peacefully inhabited and administered under British sovereignty since 1833.
Argentina alleges that Britain took the Falklands by force in 1833, expelling the civilian Argentine population and supplanting it with British subjects. The facts speak differently: Britain took formal possession of the islands in 1765, establishing various settlements over the next half century before the independent state of Argentina came into being.
In 1832 Argentina dispatched a military garrison to the Islands. Britain protested and sent forces to remove it. No civilians were expelled and historical evidence suggests that the majority of the 30 or so civilians chose to stay. British settlers arrived from 1833 onwards, and were joined by other nationalities.
In 1850 Britain and Argentina signed an agreement to settle their “existing differences”, and in the 90 years between 1850 and 1940 Argentina made only one formal diplomatic protest over the Falkland Islands, in 1888.
The Islanders of today live in a diverse and democratic society. Many have lived there for generations - there are children on the Islands whose Falklands ancestry can be traced back nine generations. As with Latin America, the population has grown through a natural flow of migration.
And although they retain their links to the UK as an overseas territory, the Islanders elect their own leaders and make their own decisions about how to govern their own affairs. While they are justifiably proud of their links to Britain, many say that they are Falkland Islanders first and British second.
Only the Islanders can be the masters of their future. We will never impose a different kind of political association, or agree to changes in sovereignty, unless and until the islanders themselves wish it. This has been the policy of successive British governments.
The Argentine Government characterises its position as reasonable, saying that it wishes to negotiate peacefully a “resolution”. Britain has always been open to discussions with Argentina, and that, of course, remains the case. There are many areas on which we can co-operate: on joint management of fish stocks, on hydrocarbon exploration and on strengthening air and sea links between the Falklands and South America. We used to do this in the 1990s and ought to be able to do it again. But we will never negotiate sovereignty without the consent of the Islanders. Self-determination is an established principle in international affairs, embedded in the UN Charter.
While we are happy to talk, recent Argentine governments have taken a less constructive approach. They walked away from the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission, thus - as The Times recently reported - risking serious damage to fish stocks in the South Atlantic. Argentina has withdrawn from a 1995 agreement to co-operate on oil exploration and, in violation of the principles of global free trade, targets companies that operate in Falklands’ waters.
Instead of working for a mutually beneficial solution for commercial air links, Argentina has banned charter flights and prevented most scheduled air services. At sea, Argentina has sought to impose restrictions on Falklands’ vessels travelling through the international Strait of Magellan or calling on other South American ports.
If it is genuinely interested in progress it should stop these attempts to intimidate a civilian population. It should agree to discuss how, as democracies, the Falklands, Britain and Argentina can work together in the South Atlantic neighbourhood in our common interest.
Many aspects of our relationship with Argentina are positive, but they have the potential to be so much more productive. For our part, we stand ready to build on this potential for the benefit of all our citizens and of wider peace and security.
I believe this would be welcome in the region too. This week I was in Brazil where, as part of a broad agenda, we discussed these South Atlantic issues. I know that the statement by the Latin American bloc Mercosur last month, apparently banning vessels that fly the Falkland Islands flag, troubled many people. In my view it had no legal or political justification.
But in discussions with regional partners over the past few weeks it has become increasingly clear that this declaration will present no practical impediment to the ability of ships to travel between the Falklands and South America. Moreover, I see no regional appetite for joining Argentina in its attempts to damage the Islands’ economy or target the livelihoods of islanders, and I welcome that.
Whatever political differences there may be between UK and South America on our sovereignty of the Falklands, we have with Brazil and other partners a relationship where we can discuss them honestly, and address them in the context of international law and respect for the human rights of the Islanders.
We will also continue with our wider policy of deepening and broadening Britain’s engagement with Latin America as a whole, sending more diplomats, opening diplomatic missions and boosting trade and cultural ties. Mine was the fifteenth British ministerial visit to Brazil in the past year - testament to a change in our relations.
I look forward to us intensifying these efforts over the coming years, for there is great potential in this new relationship. As we take it forward, we will always ensure that the wishes of the Falkland islanders and their right to self-determination are never in doubt.”
- This piece first appeared in The Times newspaper
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Anytime you want to visit me,O'gara,I live in Argentina north,and I will take to a nice Irish pub...
Cheers
He saidWhatever political differences there may be between UK and South America on our sovereignty of the Falklands, we have with Brazil and other partners a relationship where we can discuss them honestly, and address them in the context of international law and respect for the human rights of the Islanders.
Sure Mr hague,but we want to sahre the resources with the Chileans,Uruguayan,Brazilians and Argentines,what happens to be living in the South Atlantic.....Any Extracontinental powers...Out.....
No use blogging further about this situation: it's all been said. The Falklands are a scapegoat, and that's what it will remain so long as this present government rules Argentina.
It also offers an olive branch to them: start to mend the damage you are achieving to your own ambitions in the Southern Hemisphere and the World in general. Ignoring this olive branch will just deepen the view, certainly within the EU and the USA, that the Argentine Government hold childish, unsubstantiated views, about themselves being World Leaders.
www.acercandonaciones.com/en/diplomacia/instan-en-el-diario-que-lee-la-reina-a-dialogar-por-malvinas.html
When he was in Argentina during the first Falklands War, you gimps liked him so much you locked him up for 3 months. This time no doubt you will welcome him with a snog from old turkey neck and let him inspect your army, navy and airforce. A copy of your latest invasion plans might be of interest as well but on second thoughts, I think we already have a copy of those.
HA! - that will soon change when that oil starts coming out of the ground - which raises an interesting question:
How much of that oil will britain grab now that it's contribution to the euro bail-out fund has risen..... again.
After all - isnt the Falklands part of the European Union?
According to Mrs.Ashton it is an overseas territory and dependency of britain and is thus part of the european union so naturally it will be expected to stump up some of that oil as part of britain's contribution to the euro bail out fund which will probably reach a gazillion $ by April 1st.
hehe
Wrong.
“Winchester was one of those wet, left wing, liberal Americans, the type most Americans and a growing number of Brits despise”
Errrrrrrr...ahem -
Simon Winchester, OBE, a British writer, journalist and broadcaster, was born in north London on 28th September 1944, the only child of Bernard and Andrée Winchester (née deWael).
woopsy daisy..
SO FUNNY!
www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1308240/Why-did-William-Hague-feel-need-divulge-much.html
Come on people, US wants to discuss about the sovereignty!
Hague is sending the Royal navy in the wrong direction...
He should be firing his torpedos at the british press
lol
Simon Winchester, OBE, a British writer, journalist and broadcaster, was born in north London on 28th September 1944, the only child of Bernard and Andrée Winchester (née deWael).
woopsy daisy..
On July 4, 2011, Winchester was naturalized as a United States citizen in a ceremony aboard the USS Constitution
woopsy daisy
While they re-indoctrinate the elders,
As long as /and longer CFK just uses her lips to move,
This gives other more time to prepare,, but like all 3rd world fools, they tell us before they do it,
She has no intension of doing nothing, but gets noticed by the TV, ready for her next career,
As soon as she has made you lot look stupid, she will make her excuses and retire, and become a part time actress, writer, or TV celebrity
As for you lot,
Allow me to express CFK commiserations to you in advance,
[Bye]
.
Yes Briton, very poor sport today I'm afraid.
Considering how many Russians and Chinese are in the UK (and spending their miney) compared to the numbers in Argentina then I don't think your fantasy of a Sino-Russian invasion of the FI will happen. Do you?
not an insult in sight,
unlike the uneducated riff raff, later .
Simon Winchester, OBE, a British writer, journalist and broadcaster, was born in north London on 28th September 1944, the only child of Bernard and Andrée Winchester (née deWael).
On July 4, 2011, Winchester was naturalized as a United States citizen in a ceremony aboard the USS Constitution
woopsy daisy
He's still one of yours mate LOL
www.youtube.com/watch?v=smzf6GME6Lk
People in the UK are allowed to express there opinions, even if most disagree with them.
It's still, just an opinion.
Absolutely classic. What an idiot. Shame Sharon Halford isn't in the clip- she was part of the debate too and everyone said she was very good.
So James Peck is not a argie then?
That professor is a real dipstick
The argentines can just keep dreaming of the make believe malvenass!!
Long Live the Falklands.
Down with argentine Colonialism.
That’s
Argentine Colonialism
.
Ok then, so, take it back by force! What cry babies.
Organize a Mercosur Army and take it back.
As this dispute becomes more confrontational and escalate into a full-blown conflict watch Argentina's “friends” in the region run for the hills.
Speaking of which, when war breaks out, and it can't since Argentina doesn't have a military and the UK still very much does (how DUMB can you be Argies?) you will be able to find Timerman and Randozzo hiding under the furniture.
Oh, wait, I have an idea.
Why don't you Argies try to occupy the Falklands while International community occupies Argentina?
How's that sound.
Of course, it is already happening.
Puerto Madero in BA is the most important commercial center in the country.
Very little of this is being done BY Argentina FOR Argentina.
It is simply being done IN Argentina.
THIS boys and girls, is the future of this region. Get used to it.
Ah, and I can't resist commenting on this.....
“we are full of satisfaction at the support being built by the rest of the world,” Randazzo said.we are full of satisfaction at the support being built by the rest of the world,” Randazzo said.
Argentina is loathed throughout the International community.
As one Argentina acquaintance once said to me about her country,
”We hate the world and the world hates us.”
That's true. By and large they are a not a well-liked people in the world.
And do you know why?
They are not likable.
One can easily dismiss Randozzo's comment as more hot air, the accumulation of which is only going to contribute to the inevitable evaporation of his country.
get all the oil please, and go away to your first world.
south americans for southamericans
Rest assured when you put the argentine flag on top of the white house,
The world will know who Argentina really is,
Sky blue on top
Sky blue on the bottom, and a telly tubbier in the middle,
Yep, it wont be long now, the argentine imagination knows no bounds .
south americans for southamericans - we agree with you.
But
The South Atlantic is British, and no more a part of S America than the Caribean is part of S America.
Brasileiro - Actually understood you this time, keep it up!
If you read the article above you will learn that the British have been there since before Argentina or Brazil ever existed. (did you read it)
And we are staying, with as much right to be there as you have to be in SA.
Like I said better get used to it, there is nothing you can do about it.
Both societies based on slavery and conquest. Even in the Athenian democracy the vote only extend to Homi or those of equal status, the rest were slaves.
You think I talk like Cortez, you are the decendant of Cortez still running the family business.
listen carefully,
argentina may own south America,
but the falklands are british,
if you stop being anti for one second and key ya brain,
ya might unlock something interesting .
jes suis desolee !!!!!!!
French Guiana is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department located on the northern Atlantic coast of South America
sadly his brain extends only as far as his skull,
and all the time forgets to basic fact of freedom,
they fought for their freedom, and now try to deny it to others,
argentina sadly will pay a very high price for her stupidity,
and despite some bloggers aiding them in their quest, brazil will do nothing, she has everything to gain, and evrything to lose,
south America may be united, in name only, but make no mistake,
brazil is top dog, the rest are puppies, and as long as you argies are willing to be puppies, then carry on with you insults and wimper.
Guaraní is more tipycal of Paraguay, although you can find communities in south of Brazil and north of Argentina, you know that in Paraguay they speak both spanish and guaraní language and they have more identity with guaraní culture.
Brasil had other communnities like caraibas, panos, guaicurús etc and many of them were killed but many others also mixed with portuguese. then came black people they brought from africa to make slaves and they also mixed (mulato, mameluco, etc). Brasil is a great mestizaje. as all america.
Still funny though. the WHOLE WORLD! Ha ha ha ha, ldiota!
Are you all using the same brain cell today?
and now you test launch the PCX-2009, MISSILE
YEP VERY PEACEFULL
.
If the Argentinean government really wants to discuss sovereignty with regards to the Falklands, then I suggest that, firstly, the Argentinean government enter into negotiations about giving back the southern part of Bolivia which they stole all those years ago. Whilst doing this they should also enter into talks with Chile about disputed borders and possibly even Uruguay/Paraguay. Also, whilst you're sorting this out, how about an official government apology for the mass genocide committed against the native population by general Roca and others...
All this has been pointed out to them before but they just ignore what they don't like.
l think that they are genuinely shocked at being called colonialists.
But thats what they are.
Many of them scream about us not wanting to go to the ICJ.
But they wouldn't respect the court's ruling if it went against them.
lt really hurts their pride that they were defeated in 1982.
They seem incapable of moving on. They have to get “even”
We've lost plenty of battles & wars, but we've won more.
Hopefully we learn from our mistakes(sometimes l wonder about that!).
They just have to win ALL the time. NO-ONE wins all the time.
You suggestions are good but the Argentines will dismiss ALL of them without even a raised eyebrow.
Pacific invasion! Stanley will be latin! Thousands boats! The summer is now! We go to Malvinas! Pacific invasion!!!
childish or what .
As to Cubans, the only boats on which they are eager to embark are those going from Cuba to Florida. Besides, when they happen to reach their desperately sought destination, they invariably arrive there as immigrants rather than as settlers. Do you understand the difference?
From a Brazilian to another: you are embarrassing our country. Could you please stop spouting ungrammatical nonsense?
Maybe he isn't a Brazilian.
Just an Argentine trying to show that they have Brazilian support.
You may well be correct.
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