MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

No re-negotiation of 1999 agreement, say Falkland's Councillors.

Falklands Councillors have refuted reported Argentine Government suggestions that the 1999 Joint Statement will be re-negotiated every 5 years, and is due for renewal this year.

The July 1999 Statement which was signed by senior officials of the Argentine, British & Falklands Governments, allows for a weekly scheduled Lan Chile flight to fly through Argentine air space enroute to the Islands, and also permitted the sitting of a permanent Memorial at the Argentine War Cemetery at Darwin. The Memorial has now been completed with the full cooperation of the Falklands Government.

Councillor Mike Summers, speaking at a public meeting in Stanley stated emphatically, 'There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the July 1999 Agreement was a 5 years Agreement. It's open for inspection - always has been - if the Argentines wish to "re-jig" it then there would have to be agreements from ALL sides, so whatever proposals the Argentine Government might wish to make to "re-jig" it would have to be accepted by the British & Falklands Governments, but I am unaware that any formal proposals have been made to change any of the terms. It is an International Agreement and after it was signed (by Argentine Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella and British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook) it was lodged with the United Nations and accepted by them'.

Some months ago President Kirchner's Government banned Lan Chile charter flights, which fly through Argentine air space, to the Falklands, but the weekly Saturday scheduled service forms part of the July 1999 Agreement. Councillor Summers also confirmed that the 1999 Agreement does not restrict the size of aircraft which Lan Chile may use on the scheduled service, and they could use a larger air frame if they wish. This is currently being reviewed by the Falklands Development Association and Lan Chile representatives, in readiness for the austral summer in particular.

Falklands Councillors confirmed that they have not received any proposals from Buenos Aires with respect to arranging a Service of Consecration at the newly constructed War Memorial at the Cemetery which is situated at Darwin. There were reports that 800 Argentine next-of-kin wished to attend such a Service, but Councillors are adamant that the ban on charter flights, imposed by President Kirchner, means all charters, including those from Argentina. 'Argentine Government officials wishing to attend such a Service will need to show their passports like all others', stated the Councillors recently.

On domestic issues, the early closure of the Illex fishing season, due to desperately poor catch rates, and massive refunds of up to £10 millions to fishing companies, has resulted in approximately £8 millions being withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund, to ensure the completition of the financial year until 30 June. However it was pointed out, that the Falklands Government have nearly £100 millions in this fund.

Concerned Islanders were told that there is every indication that the massive reduction in the Illex squid fishery this year was most certainly caused through scientific problems, and that there is no need for undue pessimism with respect to next season. However should a similar situation occur, there would be no reduction in the standard of living, or public services offered by the Government as income from other sources, and interest accured from wise investments since 1987 would stabilize the economy.

Councillor Summers did warn the population though that because of the low catch rates of Illex squid this year, 'We will be looking to reduce licence fees next season in order to encourage the companies to return and this could mean a reduction of between £4-5 millions. We will shortly set a budget for the next financial year based on this anticipated reduction'.

Councillor Norma Edwards said later that despite the anticipated reduced 2004/5 budget every effort would be made to ensure that capital projects, such as road building on East & West Falklands, will continue. 'Cutting back those projects would also mean considerable redundancies, and that is something that we are all anxious to avoid', she said.

Bill Brown - MercoPress - Falklands.