MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Prime Minister's address for the 20th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict

I welcome this opportunity to speak to the people of the Falkland Islands on the 20th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.

This is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made in 1982 to restore your right to determine your own future. I join you in paying tribute to the courage of British forces. Twenty years on they are showing similar courage around the world ? in Afghanistan, in Sierra Leone, in the Balkans. As we remember the heroism of twenty years ago and of today, our thoughts must not be only with the servicemen and women directly involved, but also with their families. Your decision to grant the freedom of the Falkland Islands to members of the Armed Forces serving there is a fitting tribute to those who fought in 1982, and to those who still serve far from home to ensure your security and to defend the causes of freedom and justice around the world today.

This is also a time to remember the Argentine victims of the conflict. The approval by your government of a memorial to the Argentine dead is an impressive gesture of reconciliation. I know that Argentine next of kin are sympathetically received when they visit the Falklands.

Since your freedom was restored, you have been determined to shape your own economic and political future. The Islands are a vibrant, forward-looking community with a well-managed economy. Your system of government is growing into a mature democracy, linked in partnership with the United Kingdom. Yet you face tough decisions, crucial to the future of the Islands. How to sustain a viable economy outside Stanley? How to encourage the opening up of the Islands to more tourists, without damaging your local environment? I am confident that you will take the right decisions.

It's a time too to reflect on our relationship with Argentina. In 1999, it was another tough choice which led Falkland Islands Legislative Councillors to start a dialogue with the Argentine Government. The Joint Statement of 14th July that year was an important development in the relationship between the Falklands and your South Atlantic neighbours. Three years on our relations with Argentina are in good shape. Our forces serve together on peacekeeping missions around the world. We share many common concerns and interests. And we are committed to working with Argentina in addressing its serious economic difficulties. It is to everyone's benefit for Argentina to be a stable, prosperous democracy, willing and able to play a full role in the international community. And we will support Argentina's efforts to achieve those goals.

We will also continue to develop our practical dialogue with Argentina on South Atlantic issues. The South Atlantic Fisheries Commission, which is vital in ensuring the conservation of fish stocks, is one example of the benefits to all sides of co-operation. As neighbours, Argentina and the Falkland Islands have a shared interest in ensuring that other resources, such as hydrocarbons, are managed in a responsible way. And the participation of the Falkland Islands Government is crucial if we are to co-operate successfully.

In all our dealings with Argentina, however, we are absolutely clear that the sovereignty, security and right of self-determination of the Falkland Islands and its people are not open to negotiation or compromise. The Islands will be British for as long as you wish them to remain so. It is this commitment which should allow you to co-operate with your neighbours in a climate of confidence and trust.

So I join you in commemorating the liberation of the Falklands in 1982. And I recognise your achievement in making the Falkland Islands of today a self-confident and vibrant community. There can be no better memorial to those who fought for your rights in 1982.