MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Blair implores Argentina to “cooperate on matters on mutual interest”
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called on the Argentine Government to actively participate, with the Falkland Islands, 'in practical cooperation on matters of mutual interest'. Mr Blair's comments came during his annual Christmas message to the Islanders which was broadcasted on the BBC World Service.
The British Prime Minister made his plea to Buenos Aires shortly after Falklands Councillors condemned what they termed, 'Argentina's threatening and bullying behaviour'. This condemnation followed after the Argentine Government banned all charter flights from Chile to the Falklands, demanded a direct air link to Buenos Aires, and urged 300 Argentine fishing boats to fish for immature squid on the high seas, so preventing migration into the Falklands zone. This action would severely damage the Falklands economy.
Mr Blair praised the Islanders for allowing the Argentine War Memorial to go ahead at Darwin, despite the Argentine Government's negative attitude. He said that it indicated a 'humanitarian gesture' by the Falklands population. Falklands Councillors recently announced that they would not become involved in a 'tit for tat' situation with Argentina and make any attempts to delay or stop the construction of the Memorial, despite the interference in their economy.
During his 5 minutes speech the British Prime Minister assured the Islanders of Britain's support in security, sovereignty and their right to self-determination. He also praised the population for their recent development and diversification, saying that the Falklands had, 'much to offer tourists and provided an environment free of pollution'.
On an international level he congratulated the Islanders for their participation in major agricultural and sporting events in many parts of the world. During the recent Island Games in the Channel island of Guernsey, the Falklands shooting team won silver and two bronze medals.
The British Prime Minister's strong message of support, and his urging to Argentine to cooperate with the Islanders, reassured many of the Falklands inhabitants, who are concerned at the Argentine Government's recent aggressive attitude towards them.
Bill Brown (MP) Port Stanley
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