MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
British Minister sends strong message of censure to Argentina.
British Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell, who begins a two day visit to Argentina on Monday, has firmly told the Argentine Government that they must allow the resumption of charter flights between Santiago and the Falklands, before any talks on future airlinks can take place.
The Argentine Government introduced a ban on charter flights last November, although the scheduled Lan Chile weekly service between Santiago and the Islands remains unaffected, being protected by the 1999 Joint Statement, which was signed by the Argentine, British and Falklands Governments. The weekly Saturday service, allows for a once a month stop-over in Rio Gallegos enroute to the Islands, and a similar stop, the following week, on the return flight to Santiago.
Speaking on the BBC on Friday, Mr Rammell said, 'We have been trying to build on existing arrangements for airlinks between the Falkland Islands and South America and we have made clear that any future arrangements have got to be acceptable to the Falkland Islanders and also that any discussions need to take place against the backdrop of the charter flights being resumed'.
In Stanley the Islands Deputy Governor Harriet Hall said. 'It's always been the case that if the charter flights resume we and the Councillors have said that we can discuss the issue of air links. But the charter flights must resume and that's what Bill Rammell has echoed'.
Most Islanders are firmly opposed to any direct air link with Buenos Aires, which is the desire of the Argentine Government. The eight elected members of the Falklands Legislature have frequently reiterated that there will be no direct air links to Argentina, under any circumstances. The Deputy Governor further stated, 'We would discuss generally the future of extra air links between the Falklands and the continent of South America, but it would be up to Councillors whether that was with Argentina or with any other Country'.
The charter flights, banned by Argentina four months ago, mainly allow for passengers who are taking cruises in Antarctica, to fly directly to the Falklands from Santiago and join the ships in Stanley. When cargo space allows, fresh produce is also carried to the Islands. The ban has affected local tour operators in Stanley, who have reported a loss in revenue, but many owners of wild-life Islands have stated that the Argentine ban has encouraged cruise vessels to stay longer at their locations, so increasing their income.
Harriet Hall emphasised the strong stance being taken by both the British and Falklands Governments, saying, 'There is absolutely no suggestion that we will make concessions (to Buenos Aires) in order to get the charter flights back'.
Mr Rammell will spend two days in Argentina before travelling to Montevideo, for two days of talks with the Uruguayan Government.
Bill Brown - MercoPress - Falklands.
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!