Argentina is welcome to take Falklands ‘militarization’ to UN, but also principle of self determination
There was considerable anticipation and speculation in the Falkland Islands on Tuesday as residents and visitors alike waited to hear Argentine president Cristina Kirchner’s much-publicized evening announcement.
Whilst many visitors, including a number of visiting Argentine journalists, were probably wondering if the announcement would herald a cessation of the LAN weekly air service to the Islands leaving them stranded in the Falklands, Islanders expressed little surprise at what they were sure would be the announcement of yet another measure designed to strengthen an economic blockade on the Islands.
In the event people were taken by surprise. Given the build-up throughout the day and news that the content of the speech was a secret even for some of Kirchner’s own ministers, Islanders were anticipating something considerably more substantial.
Whilst no-one in the Islands has heard of the Rattenbach report it was not news to most people that the Argentine invasion of 1982 had been master-minded by the Argentine Junta of the day and not by the Argentine people as a whole - although few would be convinced that the overwhelming enthusiasm in Argentina following the invasion waned over the course of conflict as a result of an abhorrence for their Junta’s militaristic actions and not as a result of the increasing likelihood of defeat.
From an Islander’s perspective, this latest attempt by the Cristina Fernandez administration to prove that Islanders have no reason to fear a repetition of 1982 - thus making British military presence in the South Atlantic “an act of aggression” - holds little water in the face of continuing threats and harassment from Argentina.
There are very few who really fear or expect another invasion, but in Falkland Islander’s eyes Argentina’s increasingly hard-line approach in recent years gives them little reason to believe that they could exist peacefully and freely without a military deterrent in place.
Mike Summers, elected member of Falklands’ Legislative Assembly, commented that the accusation of a military build-up in the South Atlantic “was extraordinary” given that the military foot-print in the Falklands has diminished considerably in recent years: the loss of the Chinook, the reduction of the Resident Infantry Company, the reduction of the frigate from full-time to part-time, he pointed out, could not be substituted by the deployment of one search-and-rescue pilot (Prince William).
Argentina are very welcome, he said, to take the “militarization” issue to the UN Security Council and General Assembly but they should be aware that as guardians of the principle of right to self-determination, this issue would also be raised in the context of any discussion regarding the Falkland Islands.
He commented that if Cristina Fernandez would sincerely like to “give peace a chance”, a phrase she has used recently to urge David Cameron to the negotiation table, she should consider removing the punitive measures she has put in place in an attempt to force Islanders to bend to the will of her government.
MLA Summers commented, however, that he welcomed the news of investment in much over-due mental health facilities for Malvinas war veterans. “It is very important to do it” he said.
By Janet Roberston – SeAledPR - Stanley
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Thank you Mike, we were waiting for your permission..
By the way Mike, are the Chagossians back to their homeland?
Nice way to treat your veterans - on the end of a police beating. Does it remind you of anything Oh yes “the Junta”
then we can sort this out, once and for all,
and i know you will all agree, as you have all agreed she has done the right thing, [has she not]
Liar.
@3 Please see response to the sh*tface at 2.
I wonder if 2 and 3 would have the guts to cross a defended Falklands beach. Courageous juvenile children pretending to be “keyboard warriors”. What a good idea if the Wicked Plastic Witch of the South told them to go and take the Falklands. Result? 5 or 6 hours of p*ssing and sh*tting their pants and throwing up. Try to remember, girls, c*cksucking is not classed as first aid. No matter how much you like it.
I propose an economic and shipping blockade by Latin America, Royal Navy harassment of Argentine shipping, the suspension of air links and constant ratcheting up of the rhetoric and tension, followed by a claim that Argentina is militarising itself in defence. And a call on the UN Security Council to take action against them.
There we go. I am sure you can see our claim is as relevant as theirs
@ 8 I like your comments.
AHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHA!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWhtcU4-xAM
The Kelpers should formally declare their independence and elevate the status of the Falklands Islands as a sovereign state.
Argentina has been acting like a child who wants its siblings toy.
Argentina: Can we have the Falklands please? They're ours.
Britain: No, they're not yours and never were.
Argentina: They are ours, we found them.
Britain: No Argentina, you weren't even born when we found them, were you now?
Argentina: But they're 300 miles off our coast they must be ours.
Britain: No, and besides people live there who don't want to give their home away.
Argentina: They are ours. We want them.
Britain: ...
Argentina: Right we'll take them by force.
2 Months Later:
Britain: Well that was a bit silly wasn't it? Now people are dead because of you. Just to make sure that you don't do it again we'll keep some defenses there.
30 Years Later:
Argentina: Can we have the Falklands please? Oh, and Georgia, that's ours too.
Britain: No.
Argentina: They're ours.
Britain: No they're not.
Argentina: Can we talk about having the Falklands please?
Britain: No. We've had this conversation before and don't want it again.
Argentina: You're being aggressive and colonialist.
Britain: No we're not. You're the aggressors here, just leave it.
Argentina: We're telling our friends on you, now you can't use their ports.
Britain: That's a bit childish.
Argentina: Now you're threatening us by this sudden military presence.
Britain: No, the defenses are still there in the same place. And we've sent the Prince on a peaceful search and rescue posting to our territory.
Argentina: Right we're TELLING on you, you're being mean.
Britain: Go ahead. You signed the UN charter which includes a right to self determination.
very funny & true, too!
can we have Antarctica as well?
NO!
very funny & true, too!
can we have Antarctica as well?
NO!
AHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHA
Stupid brits
MALVINAS ARGENTINAS!!
As a general comment I would say that peoples of nations that are lead by politicians who are better at creating conflict, than a mature and peaceful solution, should focus their attention on putting them in check. The conflicts they create often result in the death and mutilation of many their country's youth, and those—including innocent women and children—of their opponents. The great majority of the world's leaders behave childishly when defending their political patch, or their (often misplaced) honor on the international stage.
They also ignore—to a large extent—the will of the people they were elected to represent: 84% of Brits were against the Iraque war, but Tony Blair allowed himself to be guided by hubris and was completely out maneuvered by Bush—who is far less intelligent, but extremely cunning—and sent home to do his will.
We as 'the people' should 'Arab Spring' our leaders into behaving more responsibly, and truly represent the long term interests of their people.
The best actual example is that of the American Congress and Senate— a greater bunch of irresponsible children who put political power above the interests of their people is pretty stunning.
as you see when Malvinero1 replies.
Very good, your little sit-com script is funny, yet very true and just about sums up how silly this has become. The Botox Queen should be sent to her room without her supper and given a smack on her plastic arse! The trouble is, a percentage of her people believe and agree with her. No wonder we have had to suffer so many wars, did they learn nothing from history...oh, I forgot, the Agentines only learn their own home spun history and not world history.
And ocean, south with the diamond for exercises in the summer.
do you think it may be seen as provocative lol.
And the Argentina is not asking people living at the Malvinas to leave, they can have their own language, traditions, way of living and trade agreements with foreign countries, it is just that the land they are standing on was seized by the UK.
“Their country is turning into a corrupt dictatorship” LOL this is real upside-down version. Don't you know that this government has done a lot for Human Rights, not only in Argentina? Don't you know that this Government has taken strong participation in rescueing hostages from FARC in Colombia?
Don't you know that this Government has done a lot to prevent strong attempts of Coup dEtat in Ecuador and Bolivia while the BBC and CNN (said to be strong defenders of freedom) were showing its back to it?
We have never such a democratic government, and restrictions are for corporations, that's why international media is telling you lies and that's what you are buying.
You have really no fundaments to say all this, try to write responsibly.
@ 22 Rogbahia: I agree with you about the politicians and the “Arab Spring” thing. However, I think that countries are not lead by politicians only, and many times these are only the visible face of a leadership that is held in the hands of people who nobody voted for, and for corporations and markets.
So... politicians can be good, bad, corrputed, honest, etc. But please don't forget those that are not politicians and even then determinate our life everyday.
And one thing more: I don't think these articles are not so serious and balanced. In fact they respond to a specific ideology, they always defend corporative interests in Southamerica. Their interest is not the defense of democracy in this part of the world, their interest is not to defend peaceful claims, their interest has nothing to do with ordinary people.
Point well taken; I agree.
Argentina is a pueblo. In 1810, we the pueblo, send colonizators back to their europe, and recovered what they have stolen. South americans for southamericans.
If you are british go to britain.
Point taken and credit given when it is due, however, the whole question about self dermination is left out in your comment other than the little caviat where you say 'And the Argentina is not asking people living at the Malvinas to leave, they can have their own language, traditions, way of living and trade agreements with foreign countries, it is just that the land they are standing on was seized by the UK'.
Where is the part where they can choose what Government and Nation they want? The wishes of the islanders are the key and as things stand, Argentina have no chance what so ever in having them choose them over the UK, give us some reasons why they should? I bet there are many more reasons why they should not! Now lets see if Argentina under the Botox Queen can encourage trust with the islands...Mmm, no, that will not happen at the moment. Trust is earned and so is respect, both of which is sadly lacking, no matter how many 'good' deeds are done as none of these deeds have been done to make Britain or the Falkland Islands feel any better about Argentina.
@28 Argentina is a nation of European colonist descendants. Lets do a deal, we'll leave the Falklands if you leave Argentina? Fairs fair.
@26 Fair points. I'll be honest, nothing against the Argentinians, but i don't like Kirchner. Her 'peaceful' methods of bullying are reminiscent of dictatorial leaders. Argentina does not have a good track record, from supporting the Nazis in WW2 to being a hostile dictatorship in the 80's, yet they preach about Britain being colonial from the 1800's. Her closest political ally appears to be the anti-american dictator Hugo Chavez.
Kirchner should be focusing at her home country, instead she is stirring up hate. Whatever happens, this is not a good thing. There will be ignorant people that hate us now, because of her foul words and ill informed principles. What good does she think can come of this? The worst would be another war, who would win is anyone's guess. But many will die, that's for certain. The other possibilities are that we give her the Falklands, against the islanders wishes, and they have the choice of being under Argentinas rule or leaving the place they were born. Or we stay put, as the islanders have requested, and she continues bullying and isolating a peaceful island. What would you suggest?
With regard to Britain's military deterrent, we all know what would have happened if it were not there. A quote from Aristophanes(a greek poet, 446-386BC):
“It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war. And this lesson saves their children, their homes, and their properties.”
The war changed things, before the British did try to reach an accom0diation with Argentina everyone could live with.
After, nothing to discuss any issues were settled by the war.
End of.
@ 29 BritishLion: People living in the Malvinas can choose the Government and nation they want, of course, but if they choose to be part of the UK they should go and live on a territory that hasn't been seized by them.
If I invade your house today, put you away and let other people live working for me there, tomorrow you will still have your wright to have it back, no?
And the president you call the ”botox queen” was elected by a huge majority of Argentinians in elections, in democracy, and a real one, and with a lot of press against. I am not a fan of her, but when I see the corporations and interests that go against her I realize that this Government has done a lot for ordinary people, and there are a lot of real facts.
I can't think the same about Cameron, or about Prince William, or about his grandmother or Harry. I don't see them doing much for democracy, for ordinary people's life. The royalty even enjoys owning these islands while kelpers think they rule them. They just like owning the islands and the people there like they enjoy having a cat or a dog...
You defend a very dishonest populism, but you come and claim against a president elected in clean elections, who talks, looks and speaks like ordinary argentinians, who studied at the same public university I do, who doesn't spend luxury holidays, who is 24/7 working like we haven't seen in our whole history of presidents.
And for those talking about DEFENSE or WAR understand this: War has been and is a good business for a little group of people, and they try to provoque, but Argentina can't stand another war and is determined not to have one.
This is honestly what I think.
Did the UK (and probably the Americans too) used Galtieri ('82) as a “tool” to end the so called “ sovereignty dispute over the Islands” ? provoking a war ..... ?
No, that idiot almost certainly did it all by himself.
True but ! to be honest with you and obviously is only a theory , they guy was setup. I can't back it up yet ;-)
You brought the word nazi to relate it to Cristina fernandez Government. Tell me: if Cristina is in that tendence also why is her government with the support of a lot of ONGs fighting with anti-democratic corporations? Why did this government gave shelter to foreigners from neighbour countries in stead of invading them like it happened very often in Europe and why can same-sex marriages adopt children in Argentina nowadays?
You describe Argentina in a very cliché and very banal way... mixing a million things that have nothing to do with each other.
All you defend is a warrior logic, and all the story you tell leads to war, and defense, and a supposed “aggression” from Argentina...
I was always polite to you, but you are disrespectful against me. Try to find another words in your dictionary that have more to do with discussion than to aggression.
Probably was but most unlikely it was the British. To them he was a potential customer for arms sales. Not to mention he was almost as right wing as Margeret Thatcher, politically they were soulmates.
I think the best point you made there was “You describe Argentina in a very cliché and very banal way... mixing a million things that have nothing to do with each other.”
How do you think Britain has been described lately? If its ok for you to call us colonialists all the time and bring up ancient history, then its ok for me to do the same. That's unless you don't believe in equality and free speech?
You're correct, i don't know every detail of the Argentine government. But what i do know is that its no better than ours, and in comparison it is a democracy still in its infancy. Hardly what i'd call stable, especially when your presidents main policy is an aggressive land grab.
Yes, there is a supposed 'aggression' from Argentina. The facts are:
1) Argentina want to change the status quo.
2) Argentina invaded once before.
You cannot argue with the above. Given those two facts alone, i think its only fair that we take precautions. Having military there is for defense only.
3) Argentina is a country made up from colonial powers.
Now, as you seem to be missing this very major point, and as such have no answer to it, i'll say it again. You are a descendant of Europeans. You are a hostile force in your own country. As such, how can you dare to tell us that we shouldn't be in the Falklands? You have no answer to this, as its a cold hard fact that you'd rather forget. But for me, this is a big point. You're no different to the population on the Falklands, you were implanted there when the Spanish invaded. So, if we give away the Falklands, will you also give away your home?
4) The Falklanders don't want to be ruled by Argentina. They wish to remain British.
What can you say to this? You believe they have the right to self determination, as long as its Argentina? But when they choose us, thats not ok?
He was not a very qualified General to begin with ( do I have to clarify it?) and I don't even how he became the President of the Junta at that time ..... Oh well, fuck it, I gave up :-)
l agree,
l believe that Argentina was “lured” into invading the Falklands to end the matter once and for all(but it didn't!).
The same way that Japan was “lured” into attacking Pearl Habour.
Despite my belief, l still think that Argentina has no claim or rights to the Falklands.
The Falklands belong to the Falklanders & NO-ONE ELSE.♥
How selfish and arrogant is that,
[They can choose there own government,
But if they choose British, then sod off, but if argentine they can stay
Arrogance like that will get to nowhere,
Will you ever learn to listen,
The islanders have voted to remain British
And they want nothing to do with you,
Now you can lie, shout scream threaten all you want, but facts are facts
They are not yours, and never will be
And the British government has stated that they will defend them,
It’s that simple
But alas not in yours cases .
.
If you can't stay calm and discuss without being aggressive then you should deal with it in another way, it won't be healthy for you at the end of the day.
And you may be right about other's describing the UK in a banal way. I can tell you that I always try to keep generalizations away from my words, that's why I always refer to right-wingers, elite corporations and conservatives like Cameron as the responsible for colonization, wars, massacres, etc. I am sure it is not the will of the whole UK. In fact many at the UK do not think that their Government has wrights over the Malvinas.
It is funny to call Argentina aggressive when the UK is sending nuclear weapons right now to this side of the world. The Royal Army has even invaded Asian countries not so far ago with the excuse of a “threaten of nuclear weapons development”.
And the British Government knows this, it is just that it is better for them to convert everything into an armed conflict (although war will never happen because Argentina can't support it and doesn't want to). For the elite they represent the grabbing of natural resources is very important and it is the real cause behind the “self-determination” issue. War is also a good business for defense industries.
@42 Millet: Do you really think that our Government expects the UN to do much about this? We are doing what we can, with what we have.
Talking about Pearl Harbour ... FDR, asked if Germans planes were involved in the attack , looking for a reason to declare war against them?
PS: you guys have being there since 1833, you must have some ownership :-)))))))
You are off your trolley! Where and What Nuclear weapons is UK bringing to the islands and South Atlantic?
The only Nuclear weapons UK has a on the Vanguard Ballistic Missile Class Submarines - and they do NOT come into this area at all.
Next thing you will be telling us that UK evicted all the people here in 1833!- even when your own history archives tell you that was not true!
Fact is, its been ours for about 200 years or so. Our government may well want it for strategic resources, just like the rest of the world wants resources. Are any of those resources more yours than mine? Who decides who gets what? Argentina backed out of discussions over profit sharing, their loss and our gain.
Lastly, i don't think Cameron has anything to do with colonization, like i said before you're talking about ancient history and you're representing a country of colonist descendants.
And don't worry, i'm sure the UK isn't going to nuke anybody. I'm surprised you'd even think like that. What lies must they be feeding you over there.
If I invade your house today, put you away and let other people live working for me there, tomorrow you will still have your wright to have it back, no?'
What a load of nonsense Fermin! See how you have contradicted yourself! I think I am flogging a dead horse here!
See, this is what happens when indoctrinated people say crap, and expect the world to believe them,
The world, it seems, knows more abt the British that you deluded guys ever will,
Lies upon lies,
1, you say
Like Cameron as the responsible for colonization, wars, massacres, etc.
Eye say
Name one country that Cameron has colonized, name one country, that Cameron has been involved in, that has resulted in wars, massacres, committed by the British .
…………………………………………………
.you say
But if they want to be ruled by the United Kingdom they go and live in a land that the UK hasn't seized.
Eye say
Does that mean they can all go to Argentina then?
You say
It is funny to call Argentina aggressive when the UK is sending nuclear weapons right now to this side of the world. The Royal Army has even invaded Asian countries
Eye say
Argentina, not only burns British flags but is destroying British property, Argentina has and is threatening , abusing , intimidating , blockading , and insulting the islanders,[and you say Argentina is not aggressive ,??Also name me where these nuclear weapons are, [do you personally know there are nuclear weapons in the south Atlantic, and also tell me WHO is this royal army, what country are they from, and who have they invaded,[but what has this got to do with the British in the Falklands][more distraction again ]
You say
(although war will never happen because Argentina can't support it and doesn't want to).
Eye say
If you do not want conflict, then why the hell are you pushing for THAT very thing??
.
As I said, flogging a dead horse. It might take longer to educate these backwards and brainwashed people who know no better due to the lies they have been told since junior school classroom. Once re-educated, we might have a chance...so keep on flogging the dead horse.
But try we will
Thanks mates.
Google Automedon,
A British merchant ship intercepted by a German raider in the Malacca Straits, in l think 1940 or 1941.
What are your conclusions?
Pretty much the story mankind on this planet; it was doing fine till we decided we were better than the animals. Remember the famous illustration of an ape evolving into a man, standing up and walking off with an axe? Well I saw a marvelous addition of a man coming in the opposite direction and saying, “Go back, we fucked up everything”!
Clearly, Malvinas is Argentine, claim exist since before Argentina exist. This is well documented that we renounce claim in 1850 but claim was resurrected under Peron who traveled to Italy and adopted policies of Mussolini fascist party in order to make Argentina great nation that it became.
As part of expanded living space, we must continue this policy and we must take over Terra del Fuego and Beagle Channel and then Malvinas.
My grandfather while working for Intelligence visit Indonesia in 1976 to copy plans they used for invasion of Portuguese East Timor and removal of colonial population to be copied in invasion of Malvinas.
If we had copied these plans our invasion would be success and like East Timor is part of Indonesia, Malvinas would now be part of Argentina. World has very short memory.
In order to do good for our country we must do bad things. This is what my grandfather always says.
We know Malvinas never been under Argentine sovereignty but gifted to us by Papal Bull in 1496. No one can argue with Pope or God, that whole of South America given by him to Spain.
Go home colonial pirates w claim you land before our country exist, you can not argue with that. You live there almost 200 years illegally, you have no rights. We will own your homes, farms, businesses, oil and fish.
You will be made to speak Spanish, drive on right, obey our laws, live under our government and governor. In return we give you right to be reborn like our national hero James Peck.
James Peck is son of Malvinas War traitor Terry Peck, he was awarded MBE for helping British occupy our land. Unlike his father, James is brave, patriot, his father will be turning in his grave.
You can all be reborn like James Peck. Or you can die like Terry Peck!!!!
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