Bill Rammell congratulates Argentina's President ? elect.

Saturday, May 17th 2003 - 21:00 UTC

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Speaking yesterday Friday following confirmation of Nestor Kircher's victory in Argentina's Presidential election, Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said,:

'I congratulate Mr Kirchner on his confirmation as President-elect of Argentina following a fair and keenly fought election and the withdrawal of Mr Menem from the second round of elections.

Bilateral relations between the UK and Argentina are in very good shape and we look forward to working with the new Argentine Government.

I myself hope to visit Argentina before too long.

Notes:

The first round of the Argentine elections was held on 27 April. In line with the constitution, the top 2 candidates passed through to the second round - ex President Menem, who polled 24.4% in the first round, and Nestor Kirchner, who polled 22.0%.

Apparently drawing on polls that suggested that he would lose heavily in the second round, scheduled for 18 May, Menem announced on 14 May that he was withdrawing from the race.

The Electoral Court has accepted his resignation and declared Kirchner President-elect. Kirchner will be sworn-in on 25 May.

Lord Williams of Mostyn will represent Her Majesty's Government at the inauguration. Mr Kirchner has been Governor of Santa Cruz province for the past 12 years.

Source: FCO

Categories: Falkland Islands.

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