MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
No Change in Councillors Stance on 1999 Agreement.
The July 1999 agreement between Britain and Argentina was included in five of the seven motion for adjournment speeches given by Falklands councillors at Fridays Legislative council meeting, the last one before the general election.
Councillor John Birmingham, who described the last four years as eventful said the agreement was probably "the biggest decision that that council had ever made". And that it was the right decision. He said he was proud to be part of the team who made it.
Councillor Jan Cheek said she had "enjoyed the four years including difficult and interesting times" such as the agreement. Adding that "It was an unexpected challenge but one in which I felt able to participate because I have complete confidence in our right to our homeland". She said it was not an easy decision for councillors to speak with members of the Argentine Government, but the timing was such that they felt an opportunity would be missed if they left it. She challenged anyone who still maintains that they affected the Islands sovereignty to justify the claim. And said they should imagine where the Falklands would be without it. At that time she said the weight of responsibility was heavy but was made easier by the camaraderie with her colleagues.
Councillor Sharon Halford echoed the sentiments that the last four years had been busy. And when speaking of the July 99 agreement said it was a decision which she stands by. She also told the meeting that her father "never got over what had been planned" for her in July "that year by people he knew, some of them his friends." Adding that she had almost been run off the road, whilst in his company.
Councillor Bill Luxton who is standing down at the end of this term also stood by the July 99 decision. He said it would be "interesting to see how people who stand again fare in the election".
The only councillor whose sentiments differed was Norma Edwards who said that she had enjoyed her time on that government until the agreement was signed. Now she said she was "glad that the council was about to be dissolved".
Councillors Richard Cockwell and Lewis Clifton did not mention the subject in their speeches. Mike Summers was not in the Islands for the meeting.
Source: Corina Goss FIBS
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