MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

A General Election will be held in the Falklands on 22 November.

While sovereignty discussions are out, several candidates have recognized the need to talk with Argentina, on items of mutual benefit. Among the 'new' candidates, Ian Hansen, a farmer on West Falklands told the electorate, 'It is probably in our benefit to converse with other countries, including Argentina, on the issue of conservation. However I would be against any form of direct trade or air/sea link with Argentina until their false claim to our Islands is dropped'.

Christopher May, another 'young' Islander farmer, entering the political scene for the first time, said, 'It is necessary....to have (with Argentina) a dialogue over conservation of fish stocks. When available we should take the opportunity to voice our right to self-determination. I guarantee not to discuss with Argentina, sovereignty or any issues detrimental to our Islands well being'.

38 year old farmer, Philip Miller, who played a prominent role in the July 1999 demonstrations against visiting Argentine journalists, has repeatedly expressed his strongest opposition to the 14 July '99 Joint Statement. This Agreement, signed by representatives of the Argentine, British and Falklands Governments, allowed Argentine nationals the right to visit the Falklands, following a seventeen years ban, imposed after the 1982 War. Mr. Miller told the Falklands electorate, ....'what has been done cannot be undone, we must now make sure that the Argentines hold up their part in the Agreement. Every effort must be made to educate Argentina that this country is British and we have the right to determine our own future'.

Former soldier Kevin Ormond, who fought with British Paratroopers at Goose Green in 1982, and now works as a chauffeur for Governor Donald Lamont, told his prospective constituents......'it is fact of life that since the 14 July 1999 we have to have dialogue with Argentina, but I feel that, where possible, before we talk to Argentina we talk to you, the people, and inform you, the electorate, about talks and aims'.

Hotelier, June Besley-Clark, attempting for a third time to win a seat on the Legislature, pointed out that the 14 July 1999 Agreement had.... 'split the community......we need to talk (to Argentina) on subjects of mutual benefits. Where we go on the matter of sovereignty is for you, the people, to decide'.

Stephen Luxton of Stanley, the youngest of all the candidates, put the Argentine issue high on his election manifesto; 'I was not in favour of the July 1999 Agreement, and I believe we relinquished out most effective sanction against the Argentine Government - access for Argentine passport holders - far too easily. It is almost certainly too late to go back but we should not be l