MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, March 29th 2024 - 02:25 UTC

 

 

Fidel wonders about Canada’s position on Falklands issue at the Americas summit

Tuesday, April 10th 2012 - 06:59 UTC
Full article 47 comments

Fidel Castro accuses Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper of suffering from illusions and says Canada should take a stand in the Falkland Islands dispute in a rambling new essay that lashes out against Cuba’s exclusion from a coming Organization of American States summit. Read full article

Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • Wireless

    Who gave Castro some crayons again?

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 07:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • anubeon

    The unending and narcissistic know-nothing-know-it-all-ism of Leninist-Marxists like Castro never ceases to amaze me (as an anarch-communist myself).

    Crawl back under whichever rock from whenst you came Fidel, you're not important anymore (and never were). Better still, now that you're retired, why not pop to the Falkland Islands and dispel your old-hat 'solidarity' with some first hand 'boots on the ground' knowledge. Mmmkay!

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 07:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JimLad

    “...and that there has been no apology for the 1982 sinking by the British navy of an Argentine warship that went down at a cost of 323 lives.”

    Yes, Argentina deserves an apology for the Belgrano. I mean, they only illegally invaded the Falkland Islands, occupied and oppressed the native Islanders and sent their navy to intercept and attack the British task force in a designated combat zone. Clearly the Argentinians did nothing at all to warrant a second rate cruiser being torpedoed.

    I suppose it's true what they say about senility...

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 08:28 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • anubeon

    @JimLad (3)

    Furthermore, my understanding is that whilst the General Belgrano wasn't strictly within the exclusion zone she was known to be executing a pinzer movement that would have threatened Royal Navy ships and personel.

    Everything I've read about the Belgrano incident suggests that it was legitimate engagement. A fect that even the Argentine navy recognises.

    You start a conflict? You can't go whinging that your ship is sunk, especially with mind numbing technicalities like 'they were outside of the exclusion zone'. How many Royal Navy vessels where sunk in Falklands Island waters by the aggressor nations exorcets?

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 08:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • falklandlad

    @1; you're correct in that Castro has passed his sell by date, and equally his chums, Chavez and CFK have both passed their eclipse. Castro would be wise to waken to the US position and that of Canada - the latter postively pro Falklands. Castro evokes little concern by his ramblings in the Falklands - a tyrant of yester-year.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 08:55 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Alexei

    The Falkland Islands are 300 miles from Argentina. Argentina claims the Falklands on grounds of 'proximity'. Cuba is just 90 miles from the United States, enough said.

    Cubans try to escape to the United States in little boats. Falkland Islanders don't want to 'escape' to Argentina :))

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 08:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • LEPRecon

    This constant winging about the sinking of the Belgrano has always amazed me.

    What does it matter whether it was within the exclusion zone or not? We were at WAR, and the Belgrano presented a clear and present danger to the British fleet.

    According to all the Rules of War, Britain was well within their rights to attack and sink the Belgrano, and could have targeted Military targets within Argentina itself - which in a time of war were also legitimate targets.

    If Argentina didn't want to lose any of their soldiers, sailors and airmen, then perhaps they shouldn't have started the War by illegally invading British territory in the first place and ignoring 2 UN resolutions.

    Castro's ramblings are just that, ramblings. An attempt by an old man, whose policies isolated his country from the world, to try and make people believe his views have one weight (when they never had before).

    No doubt the usual suspects on this site will try to use this as 'proof' that Britain is isolated in the world. Well, I'm happy to be isolated from the likes of Castro.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 09:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    It is sad, in a way, to see someone slipping into old age dementia.
    As a young man, I can remember the overthrow of a corrupt dictatorial regime in Cuba and thought that this was a new dawn. To be fair, he did a lot for the country in health and education but, as all dictators, they never let go and become as bad as the people they overthrow.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 09:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    Fidel is still going strong at 85, after 60 years in the front ranks of the struggle, what an inspirational leader he is. Chavez, notwithstanding his health problems which I and millions of others pray will be healed, has decades of struggle in him yet. Cristina, in power only since 2007, can even less be said to have “passed her eclipse”, she's just getting started and hopefully will overcome the minor hurdle of an outdated constitution to be her people's chosen representative for decades yet. Harper, on the other hand, who this article is about, is a complete dick, who has turned Canada into a more Bushite neocon country than America itself; he couldn't keep Galloway out forever and in time will fall, and when he does its probably going to be the social democratic NDP rather than the exhausted Liberals who take over - another step forward for the pink tide =)

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 12:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pirat-Hunter

    My respect to Fidel Castro who pushing already 85 years of life still has his mind more clear then the most bright people on earth. To put it into context how do you keep one of the largest nation of murderers of the planet away from your land located less then 100 miles away with only the power of speech. USA has to go to war with many nations just to survive while Cuba does it all with diplomacy for the past 60 years and counting.
    #3 make up your mind are they illegal aliens brits or native you can only be one or the other but not both, you can see how hard it is to support people who can't even make up their mind on what they are, undocumented british squatters on Islas Malvinas Argentina. In other words illegal aliens.
    With people like this on earth we must support a national nuclear defense program, to keep this thieves away from our natural resources, or we can unite and fish Antarctica with no restrictions.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 03:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britishbulldog

    I thought this moron was dead and buried what's he doing stirring up trouble. The Americans should have contracted us to take out this waste of space one bullet between the eyes forty odd years ago and Cuba would have been free to actually enjoy freedom and take its rightful place in society.

    As for this, morons comment about us sinking the Belgrano, is he suffering from some sort of dementia because everyone but everyone knows when one is at war with another country each other try's to sink and kill as many ships and sailors as they can. Perhaps this moron can ask the Argentine people and its President to apologise for its soldiers invading and shitting on the Falkland peoples land and premises. And while the moron is in the mood of apologising he can apologise to his own people for all the harm and discomfort and poverty he has coursed in his own country.

    Now seeing that you are still alive moron perhaps you will be good enough to pop a few pills to many to make your passing from this world to hell that much quicker.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 03:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    But now he has met the other candidate for 'Supreme Delusionist' aka The Pope, he realises that he must work even harder to retain this title until his death, which hopefully will be soon. Hence the 'Reflections' crap.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 04:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • THOR94

    @ 10 Pirat-Hunter (#)v Yes because you've got a clear mind just like Castro. Nuclear weapons are the diplomatic method that should be followed. Your a genius, why dont they make you president.........

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 07:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JohnN

    Castro is senile and Canada is doing just fine. If Fidel wanted to criticize Canadian mining companies, he should start with Sherritt International, which has been mining in Cuba for a long time - with approval of Fidel himself. Of course, SI pays the low, low wages that Cubans are forced to live with, given there are no independent trade unions in Cuba.

    As for Canada's stance on the Falklands at the Summit of the Americas, it should support Britain on the issue, given PM Harper's accurate perception of how most Canadians feel about the Falklands War. Yes, Industry Minister Ed Fast just completed a trade trip to Buenos Aires, but even Castro acknowledges that free trade and not blockades are the way to go. Too bad CFK doesn't hear that part of Fidel's rant.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 07:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JimLad

    @Pirat-Hunter (10)

    Mate, the Falkland Islanders are the native population of the Falkland Islands as, a) there was no prior native population and b) they have been there was some 8 or 9 generations now. The fact that they wish to remain as part of Britain via their status as a self governed British Overseas Territory doesn't give you a good argument to call them 'undocumented British squatters on the 'Falkland' Islands'. As for making up my mind, it's already made up. The Falkland Islands belong to the Islanders, who wish to remain part of Britain, and not Argentina.

    Oh, and as an Australian (Look up 'Australian Antarctic Territory), good luck in getting rights to unrestricted fishing in the Antarctic waters. It'll never happen considering how Argentina has cocked up the fishing in their own waters.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #2 Some anarcho-communist you are, perfect example, if you're genuine at all, of an ultra-left purist helping the right. I'd take Fidel and Cristina above you as comrades anyday, “comrade”...

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @16 - More dumb comments, Kirchnerist? I thought you might have wised up to how idiotic you sound. Obviously not.

    Canada's PM is a good leader, and very pro-British, so it should come as no surprise to Cuba's resident dicktator that they fully support the only legitimate claim to the islands. That of the UK. I believe Harper also returned 'Royal' to the country's military titles as well. Maybe Castro should just die already, as he's clearly lost more brain cells than are required to function.
    It's a shame my country's gutless leader hasn't got half of Harper's good grace, but we're getting close to the election now. Not long.

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 10:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    Not a great fan of Obama actually, but I bet you Stefan that your preferred candidate, Romney the banker (Mr God Hates Fags Santorum having now dropped out), will lose, and his background in “high finance” will be his achilles heel. See if I'm wrong...

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 11:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • googer62

    @ 10 “how do you keep one of the largest nation of murderers of the planet away from your land located less then 100 miles away with only the power of speech.” - sounds like exactly what we are doing here in the Falklands at this very moment - although to be fair, you are a little further away :-)

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 11:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @18 - Hmmm, well, you're entitled to your opinion (however laughable it may be). However, it would be nice if you did ANY research before posting. Even the smallest amount. Mitt Romney was never a banker. He ran Bain Capital, an alternative asset management/financial services company. That's a little different to being a banker.

    You see, Kirchnerist, this is where you look like a moron. Accusing Romney of being a banker is like me accusing your plastic queen of being a janitor, instead of what she actually is (a third-world dictator). Obama has a shot, of course he does. But at the moment, it would appear things are not in his favor, with the DOW in free fall today and his precious healthcare bill looking constitutionally dubious, not to mention the recent discovery that the GSA have been wasting our tax dollars on four buck shrimp.
    Just out of interest, why do you call yourself British Kirchnerist, when you're obviously Argentinian?

    Apr 10th, 2012 - 11:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Tobers

    @20
    -Just out of interest, why do you call yourself British Kirchnerist, when you're obviously Argentinian?-

    We all know he works in the Casa Rosada otherwise he would have to be utterly mental to be as sycophantic as he appears. Then again he could easily be both on her payroll AND utterly mental.

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 12:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • rebeldenacion

    And just what did you all expect from Argentina, a repeat performance of course.......for your viewing pleasure:
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyPC0SD0PGw
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBAjfgHLyk&feature=relmfu
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=azwWSN2pukk
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSvQw00SV-c
    www.ripoffreport.com/government-worker/argentina-tourists-m/argentina-tourists-murdered-l-33f51.htm
    www.ripoffreport.com/federal-government/cristina-kirchner/cristina-kirchner-cristina-kir-dc9b0.htm
    Gracias Cristina y Nestor.......oh and thanks too Boudou!!

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 06:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #20 Actually I know quite a bit about multi-millionaire Mitt's asset stripping piracy at Bain Capital, calling him a “banker” was just an easy shorthand for what the Economist (a particular favorite on here when it excoriates my Queen) called the first candidate from the world of high finance (Ross Perot, Herbert Hoover etc were big businessmen but at least they came from the productive economy). Whereas to call my elected, constitutional, popular, loved, peace-loving, progressive, brilliant and radiant Queen a “Third World dictator” is just a complete lie.

    #21 No such luck I'm afraid, of course I'd love to work there and serve my Queen, but I think a better grasp of Spanish may be required, and I really don't think they'd be wanting to take on Brits in the current climate! =( Anyway what you call sycophancy is just what I genuinely think about the most impressive leader of the world today. Surely if your iron lady Maggie had also been the most beautiful woman in the world, some of you would have made use of the fact to support her =)

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 08:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Furry-Fat-Feck

    @23 British_Kirchnerist (#)
    Apr 11th, 2012 - 08:39 am

    No. You are a sycophant and a confused fruit loop.

    Brits with your point of view would be very welcome in Argentina in the present political climate, they need all the support they can get even from the terminally deluded, just take a look at Roger Waters and Morrissey, so no excuses. Go and be one of them. Or maybe you are too saccharin sweet even for KFC to abide.

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 01:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JohnN

    #17 Stefan: Agree that PM Harper is good leader and pro-British, but while he would support Britain on principle over Falklands Islands, like all leaders, he will be weighing costs and benefits of decisions. Harper needs Britain's support on several diplomatic issues, including (but not limited to) dealing with impacts of the Royal Canadian Navy spy for Russia (now in jail and going to court) who revealed important details of “Five Eyes” intelligence net (Aus, Britain, Canada, NZ and US), and Canada now negotiating free trade deal with EU, but there are sticky points including Canada's tar sands oil.

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 01:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @23 - In what way is your queen radiant? She's as ugly as a rat with a flesh eating disease, and yes, she is a third world dictator. Here's how that works.

    Fernandez = Dictator

    Argentina = Third World

    Fernandez + Argentina = Third World Dictator!

    See! We're learning now, you stupid Argentinian impostor. You can call Mitt Romney whatever you like relating to money. I'll take a businessman over a radical community organizer of questionable origin IN A HEARTBEAT.

    @25 - Yes, Canada will look out for its interests, but usually those interests align nicely with the rest of the sane world. The “five eyes” intelligence net is a particularly good way to bind the Anglosphere together. A testament to how the English speaking countries should ALWAYS have each others backs. Especially when it comes to a certain South American prostitute queen (who will remain nameless)

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 08:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    Stefan - “I'll take a businessman”

    Romney - “I'll take a businessman down, strip his assets and sack his workers” See how Obama might win, despite his “questionable origin” (just what do you mean by that I wonder?)

    And I agree Argentina is a poor Third World country, which is why I don't want my rich First World country to steal its oil, but its the characterisation of the radiant and inspirational ELECTED President as a dictator I repudiate. And its such constant distortion and hating that I'm reacting to when I come over all sycophantic, sacharine sweet or whatever. Though the main difference between me and Waters/Morrisey is I'm not a famous rockstar, if I was I'd be rushing to BA in a flash =)

    Apr 11th, 2012 - 10:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @27 - Questionable origin refers to Obama's inability to present his certification from Harvard, and the Kenyans who testify to having delivered him... In Kenya, but that's a story for another day.

    As far as I can tell, you've also just MADE UP that quote. See how Obama might lose? I can actually present you some true to life quotes from the moron in chief.

    “I've now been in 57 states”

    To Medvedev - “After my election I have more flexibility.”

    “We 'got a bunch of algae up here.”

    Kansas tornado kills 12 - “In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died -- an entire town destroyed.”

    “Let me be absolutely clear. Israel is a strong friend of Israel's.”

    “We don’t have a stronger friend and stronger ally than Nicolas Sarkozy, and the French people.”

    And they said Bush was dumb! hahaha. Face the facts, Kirchnerist, your president IS a dictator. That's what we call someone who wins an election thanks to huge amounts of money from another dictator, prohibits freedom of the press, lies about their economy, and is, in general, a complete bitch.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 02:55 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Furry-Fat-Feck

    @27 British_Kirchnerist (#)
    Apr 11th, 2012 - 10:42 pm

    But nobody is stealing Argentinian oil. The FI intend to exploit their own resources, but nobody is stealing Argentinian oil. Argentina also have aspirations to steal the FI away from their rightful owners and inhabitants but nobody is trying to or actually stealing anything off Argentina.

    You can argue semantics all you like in that sickly sweet and sycophantic way of yours but it won't change the facts.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 07:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #28 Of course I “made up” the quote, it was just an illustration of the man's M.O. in his day job. Some funny Obama quotes there though he's still got nothing on W. in that regard. Its not like I'm a huge backer either I'm just flagging up how having the other serious candidate coming from “high finance” will be helpful to him.

    As for what you said about the President I DO support and adore, firstly I don't think anything was ever proven about the Venezuelan money, and I really wouldn't think it was decisive even if it did happen. After all she was already clearly the frontrunner, and Nestor's support was surely more important than Chavez's, unless you think Nestor was a dictator too? As for freedom of the press, it still exists and in my view could only be enhanced by taking the pro-junta local Murdoch's at Clarin down a peg or two. And as for being a “complete bitch”, I know thats what weak men often call a strong woman when they feel threatened by her...

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 11:55 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    Your Comment@30 - In a year where the ECONOMY is the no. 1 issue consistently, a career in high finance is likely to HELP Romney because people want someone who knows how to effectively use money. Nestor was very similar to KFC, a little better in my opinion, because he didn't annoy everyone by whining about the Falkland Islands. How do you explain the Argentinian government lying to the IMF over and over again? This is a sure sign of an autocratic system of corruption, keeping a lid on the truth.
    By the way, I don't see KFC as a “strong woman”. If she was “strong”, she'd have taken the islands by now. Instead she has cried about it, so I call her weak.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 12:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Correct me if I am wrong, during the Cuban missile crisis, Russia withdrew its Nuclear missiles in return for American guarantees, that they would not take military action against Cuba. In other words America gave her word and has kept it! Not a concept that Argentina seems to be familiar with.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 06:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #31 But its high finance that WRECKED the economy so why put one of the wreckers in charge? All I'm saying is its an open goal for Obama, who I see as less bad than Romney who himself is maybe a bit less bad than Santorum, Gingrich or Palin, but I'm not a fan of any of them. A bit like how you see Nestor and Cristina maybe =) Funny definition of strength btw, very macho, I suppose by your definition Galtieri was a strong leader! And on the IMF who said Argentina lied? If it was the IMF themselves, can't you see a possible ulterior motive?

    #32 You are indeed wrong =) Not completely, but you miss some points out; that Russia also got America to withdraw its missiles from Turkey which the Cuban missiles were meant to match, and of course that America has continued low level military or more accurately terrorist actions against Cuba ever since

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 06:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Did they or did they not give a guarantee not to invade Cuba? Everyone knows what the CIA got up to after the crisis, dispicable organisation!

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 07:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brit Bob

    Yes I can see the Argentinian Pro-Cuba support coming through here. All you need to do to follow their example is to do away with democracy (or you're twisted propaganda feeding govenment) and have CFK and her cronies for ever.

    See how you children are so easily led.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 07:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Steve-32-uk

    Interesting Canadian article

    http://www.straight.com/article-659416/vancouver/gwynne-dyer-argentinas-campaign-recover-falkland-islands

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 07:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #34 Yes I think they did, though I think the Turkey withdrawal was crucial. Glad to see your view of the CIA

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 09:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @33 - Galtieri as a strong leader? Do you not know the outcome of the war, you moron? HE GOT HIS ASS HANDED TO HIM! haha. No, he was incredibly weak.

    Apr 12th, 2012 - 10:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Alexei

    @33 KFC “the most beautiful woman in the world” ROFLMAO :)) Thanks

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 01:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #38 I agree, thats one reason (the other being her genuinely more peaceful democratic nature) that the People's Iron Lady is taking the stronger path of diplomacy

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 01:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Furry-Fat-Feck

    @39 Alexei (#)
    Apr 13th, 2012 - 01:50 pm

    Most beautiful female leader in the world? Possibly ever? No contest:

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/02/aung-san-suu-kyi-new-era-burma

    Poise, grace, intelligence, presence and absolutely no artificial ingredients.

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 02:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stefan

    @40 - You accidentally typed “iron”. You meant plastic.

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 08:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #39 I'v read and reread #33 and I can't find the quote you attribute to it. I'll say it now though, my radiant Queen Cristina is definately one of the most beautiful women in the world, ever.

    #41 I agree with all the nice things you say about Aung San Suu Kyi, except she's not head of state or government yet but I certainly hope she will be soon and that awful junta will go the way of the Argentine one. Of course she was the daughter of an anti-British Empire freedom fighter, and the wife of an Englishman; its not anti-British to be anti-colonialist =)

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 08:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Furry-Fat-Feck

    @43 British_Kirchnerist (#)
    Apr 13th, 2012 - 08:51 pm

    I said she is a leader I did not say she was a head of state and I accept that it is not anti British to be anti colonialist. Britain is not a colonialist nation. The Falkland Islands are not a colony and I know we disagree about this.

    Apr 13th, 2012 - 09:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JohnN

    “Trade, security tops Harper's agenda at Summit of Americas”: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Trade+security+tops+Harper+agenda+Summit+Americas/6456022/story.html

    - No mention of Falklands or of environmental issues in news article, but Canada's PM Harper seems quite focused on getting free trade deals going with several Latin American countries. If Harper going wet &weak on Falklands, good to remind him that Canada also wants a free trade deal with the European Union, several of whose members have Overseas Territories (Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, UK):

    EU FTA in negotiations (including with Canada):
    http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Trade+security+tops+Harper+agenda+Summit+Americas/6456022/story.html

    Apr 14th, 2012 - 12:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    @37
    It's not just the CIA. I have the same opinion on any national organisation that uses assassination to resolve diplomatic differences, KGB, SIS, MOSSAD whoever they are.

    Apr 14th, 2012 - 04:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    I agree. Though to me the CIA are the worst just because by their greater scope they've caused the most damage

    Apr 15th, 2012 - 12:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!