MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

SAMA praises Falklands Government.

Falklands war veterans have expressed disappointment with what they call Government ministers' neglect of the 20th anniversary while praising the Falklands Government for their unstinting support and the Islanders' for their hospitality and welcoming attitude.

Members of the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA) have launched an appeal to find £1,100 per head for a mass visit of about 200 veterans to the Falkland Islands in November, coinciding with Remembrance Sunday.

They are also upset at what the Times newspaper calls "the low-key commemorations in June, with only a junior minister representing the Government on Liberation Day in the islands". The Times says: "Only 16 veterans will go for the ceremony in June and they have been funded by the Falkland Islands Government even though the Foreign Office has decided that the theme of the anniversary should be ?unsung heroes'.....

SAMA secretary, Denzil Connick, says the November visit is "a pilgrimage not a jaunt. The visit will act as a form of therapy".

The Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram, is representing the Government at the June events, and the Duke of York will be among those visiting the Falklands in November, as a SAMA member and a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot in 1982. SAMA feels the June Liberation events demand a senior Government personality such as a high-ranking Cabinet Minister.

FIG does everything to help

Denzil Connick says in contrast to criticism of the British Government, SAMA are full of praise for the Falklands Government. He told Mercopress: "Right from Day One since the inauguration of SAMA, the Falkland Islands Government has been there, shoulder to shoulder with us. Anything we wanted they have done everything they can to try and assist, not least for this November pilgrimage when ordinary Islanders and residents of Stanley are going to be opening their doors and looking after as many people as they can cope with".

Denzil Connick says SAMA are still trying to raise money for the November pilgrimage, with help from comedian Jimmy Davidson of the British Forces Foundation. They are determined it should go ahead and are negotiating for a charter aircraft to take them from the United Kingdom via Ascension having failed in attempts to arrange the visit through British Airways or LanChile.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman, himself a Falklands veteran, told Mercopress that for them the 20th anniversary is low-key. He pointed out that "the commemoration of wars on the 20