MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Former British Ambassador in Uruguay dies
A British diplomat, Colin Sharkey, who was ambassador to three Latin American countries and was posted to Argentina in eh critical aftermath of the 1982 Falklands War has died, aged 71.
Colin Sharkey, CMG, MBE, spent 37 years serving British diplomacy in thirteen cities, all of them in the Commonwealth or in Spanish-speaking countries. He was ambassador to Honduras, Bolivia and Uruguay.
Perhaps his most challenging appointment was as head of the British Interests Section in Buenos Aires, arriving two years after the Falklands War when memories on both sides were bitter.
Though military rule in Argentina was ended by defeat in that war, troubled democracy brought with it economic problems, street demonstrations and a continuing threat of a military coup. In this threatening atmosphere, Colin Sharkey came under constant pressure from Argentine officials and public opinion. But he steadfastly laid solid foundations for the restoration of consular and later full diplomatic relations in 1989 and 1990.
Harold Briley,(MP) London
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!