MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Argentine next-of.-kin ” contented with resumed visit to Falklands.
A small group of 19 Argentines, all relatives of Servicemen killed during the Falklands War, have concluded their one week visit to the Islands. They were the first authorized group to reach the Falklands since next-of-kin pilgrimages ceased, almost two years ago.
Shortly before departing they expressed their 'contentment' at having had the opportunity to pay their respects to their loved ones who died during the 10 weeks War between Britain and Argentina in 1982. During the week, they made several visits to the Argentine War Cemetery at Darwin where 234 Argentines are buried.
On this occasion the group stayed in the centre of the capital in a series of well appointed rooms at The Ross Complex, which is owned by the Falkland Islands Company.
In a departure from previous pilgrimages, this group of 19, who were accompanied by a Catholic priest and Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, also expressed a desire to visit the British War Cemetery at San Carlos. 14 British Servicemen are buried there, including Colonel 'H' Jones who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross, the highest Military honour, for his actions during the battle for Darwin/Goose Green.
Marcelo and Andrea Blanco from Mar del Plata, who were the youngest of the group, spoke with pride and admiration for their father, Sargento Primero Rene Pascual Blanco, who died on the 3 June following British shelling on the outskirts of Stanley.
Marcelo and Andrea who were just 8 and 5 years old respectively at the time of their father's death, said that 'visiting the Islands had given them the opportunity to see the landscape, the battle areas, the mountains, and pay homage to all Argentines who died in action'.
The group also braved high winds and showers of hail in order to walk across Tumbledown Mountain, where Argentine Forces fought off advancing British troops for 12 hours, before finally succumbing at 0800 on the morning of 14 June. Soon after, Argentine Forces surrendered. One elderly lady, despite finding difficulty in walking over the rough terrain, insisted on climbing Tumbledown so that she could look across to Longdon Mountain, where her son was killed on the night of 11 June.
Pedro and Anna Rodriguez from Buenos Aires paid tribute to the people involved in looking after the group during the week. 'They were very kind to us, looked after us, gave us nice food, made us feel comfortable and treated us with respect. The Islands seem a nice place to visit', said Pedro speaking very good English.
Anna's brother, Andreas Folch - a soldier, was killed just 2 hours before hostilities ceased on 14 June 1982. 'We believe that he died on the edge of Stanley after a rocket exploded on his position', said Pedro.
Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Juan Jose Vretrabde, who was responsible for the group, said that, 'all had gone well, the arrangements were excellent, the accommodation was good and the company responsible for travel, Falkland Islands Tours & Travel, had been very efficient, helpful an friendly throughout'.
It is understood that the group, who were given an official farewell from Buenos Aires by President Eduardo Duhalde, will meet the President for breakfast, upon their return.
Monthly summer visits by Argentine next-of-kin to the Falklands, ceased in 2001. No official explanation was given for the cessation at the time, but it was believed that the dire economic situation in Argentina might have been responsible.
According to reliable sources in Buenos Aires, a second - as yet unconfirmed - visit is being organized for early April.
Patrick Watts (MP) Port Stanley.
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