MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK dismisses sovereignty discussions.

The United Kingdom dismissed any attempt by the new Argentine government to reopen sovereignty discussions over the Falkland Islands.

Last Monday the United Nations Decolonization Committee or C 24 adopted a resolution asking Britain and Argentina to resume sovereignty negotiations and find a peaceful solution to the South Atlantic islands dispute.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in London said that "the subject of sovereignty is not for discussion. We have no doubts over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and we are committed to their right to self-determination"

However the Foreign Office also pointed out it had a very good working relationship with Argentina over other South Atlantic issues and looked forward to working with the new government.

Addressing the Decolonization Committee in New York, Argentine Foreign Affairs Secretary stated that "it is unacceptable for the United Kingdom to use its confrontation with a former military government as an excuse to avoid negotiations over sovereignty".

The week before in Chile the Organization of American States general assembly unanimously supported the Argentine claim and the need for the resumption of negotiations with the United Kingdom aimed at a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

In the Falklands, Governor Howard Pierce, quoted by Argentine media said there was no chance of negotiations over the Islands sovereignty with the Argentine government adding that the speech of Mr. Bielsa came as "no surprise".

"So far the Islanders want to remain British. We respect that position", so there's no chance of a negotiation said governor Pierce.

Further on Mr. Pierce said that if in the future the Islanders opt for self rule, the British government will support them.

"The British government supports the wishes of the Falklanders and also their right to self determination" as contemplated in the United Nations indicated Governor Pierce.

As to Mr. Bielsa's speech leaving aside the Islanders of any discussions Governor Pierce said this has been the position of successive Argentine governments but "Britain's position is not do discuss and respect the wishes of the Islanders who want to remain British".

Governor Pierce also admitted it will not be easy to lift the "umbrella" mechanism agreed in 1990 by Argentina and Britain which allows both parties to address common issues leaving aside the sovereignty dispute.

"It has proved very useful to achieve cooperation in other fields".

However Governor Pierce highlighted that there are many areas of common interest for the Falklands, Argentine and British governments, and many people are willing to cooperate, but "we keep asking ourselves when Argentina will put an end to its sovereignty claims. And after listening to the Minister, we believe it won't be in the short term".