MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine-UK breakthrough in air links dispute

Britain and Argentina agreed Tuesday afternoon in Buenos Aires to “unlock” differences regarding flights to the Falkland Islands and advance towards an understanding that contemplates a direct air link to the Islands from Argentina and the resumption of the suspended charter flights.

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell, on a South American tour, was received this afternoon by Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Rafael Bielsa to address the delicate issue of air links to the Falklands, including summer charter flights from Chile that must cross Argentine air space, and that this season were severely limited from an original request of over twenty to just three by Buenos Aires.

Before the meeting Mr. Rammell admitted the "existence of a significant disagreement (on the issue) which I will not minimize", and warned that "excessive ambitions" could end being dangerous for advancing in South Atlantic affairs.

In a recent interview with the BBC Mr. Rammell said that "we have made it 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".

President Kirchner administration on the other hand argues that 22 years have elapsed since the 1982 conflict and "it's time to have regular direct flights between Argentina and Malvinas", recalling the German-British reconciliation following WW II..

Besides Mr. Bielsa has repeatedly said that since 2001 Argentina has been reminding British authorities that the "excessive" number of charter flights for the Islands tourist industry will inevitably have to come to an end, and therefore this summer's decision, anticipated last November should not be defined as "surprising or unexpected".

However, after over an hour and a half meeting and according to the first reports from the Argentine Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bielsa and Mr. Rammell reached a "political understanding that now needs technical issues' formalization".

No further details were revealed, just that "we've managed to unlock the current situation and set foundations to advance in the Malvinas flights question, on which in the coming days the British Embassy in Buenos Aires and the Ministry will be working".

Apparently the dialogue from now on will take into account the United Kingdom's demand that charter flights to the Falklands be resumed, as well as Argentina's aspiration for the re-establishment of direct flights to the Islands.

The talks were joined by British Ambassador in Buenos Aires Sir Robin Christopher, and the Argentine Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Taiana and Foreign Policy Under Secretary Juan José Uranga.

According to Argentine sources, during the talks Mr. Rammell highlighted the financial losses and damages for the Islands tourism industry that the non authorization of Lan Chile's charter flights is causing this season.

However and in spite of the good atmosphere of the meeting, Mr. Rammell insisted on the Foreign Office official line, "No sovereignty talks unless requested by the Falklanders".

Mr. Rammell will be leaving Buenos Aires Wednesday morning to complete the Southern Cone visit that includes Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. The Falkland Islands receives over 30,000 cruise visitors every season and charter flights are crucial for ensuring passenger turnover programmed by cruise companies.