MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Penguin News update.
Headlines:
Next of kin visit cancelled:' political implications' cited; Falklands loses formidable champion; No entry for Castle; Soldiers support hospital; Petrol price increase.
Falklands loses formidable champion.
THE Falkland Islands has lost one of its most formidable champions in its resistance to Argentine sovereignty claims.
Former vice-president of the Falkland Islands Association Velma Malcolm passed away on Monday in hospital in Santiago, Chile. She was 74.
Her funeral is expected to be held at Christ Church Cathedral at 2.00pm on Tuesday.
Floral tributes can be sent to the home of Mrs. Malcolm's granddaughter, Miss Nyree Heathman, at 4 Goss Road, Stanley. (MP/PN)
* Penguin Newshopes to publish an obituary in the next few weeks. Picture by Anna King Next of kin visit cancelled:' political implications' cited. THE ARGENTINE Families Commission has called off its visit to the war cemetery at Darwin, citing "political implications" as the reason for the cancellation.
A private twelve-seater aircraft was due to arrive today bringing families of men killed in the 1982 War, a visit agreed by Falklands Councillors last month.
The announcement of the cancellation came after representatives of the Families Commission met with Argentine Foreign Minister, Rafael Bielsa, and the Foreign Ministry director with responsibility for the Falklands and South Atlantic, Santos Goñi.
On Wednesday His Excellency the Governor, Mr Howard Pearce, said he knew the Families Commission had met with the Argentine Foreign Affairs Ministry but he would not speculate on what was said at the meeting.
He commented, "I think it's for the Families Commission to reveal what went on at that meeting..."
The revelation came the following day when Hector Cisneros, spokesperson for the Families Commission told the Buenos Aires Heraldthat Sr. Goñi suggested to them not to go ahead with the trip.
He said, "Goñi did not tell us not to go, he just suggested that."
According to the paper, Mr Cisneros said the relatives committee considered the Argentine government's suggestion "reasonable" and cancelled the trip as, "...we don't want to interfere with Argentina's international policy."
A statement from Falklands Councillors was released on Wednesday evening in response to the cancellation. It said, "We regret that circumstances have compelled the Families Commission to call off the visit.
"Falkland Islanders have always welcomed visits from next of kin, and we are disappointed not to have been able to meet the Families Commission on Friday."
British Ambassador to Argentina, Sir Robin Christopher, had been invited by the Families Commission to participate in the day visit.
When asked if this had prompted the Argentine government to pressure the Commission to cancel the visit, the Governor again said he could not speculate.
He added, "I understand that he had been invited by the Families Commission and was considering it."
He added, "The decision has-been taken by the Families Commission not to come.
"They have taken that decision themselves following discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"I don't think I can elaborate on that."
Argentine press reports this week have suggested that the Families Commission will apply to Councillors for another flight for a "larger ceremony" in September. This proposal would inevitably require a larger aircraft than that which was due to make today's visit.
Mr. Pearce responded, "Councillors have already made it clear that while the Argentine government maintains a ban on charter flights to the Falklands there can be no question about agreeing to an exception...while that ban remains we cannot agree to any charters, or a series of charters, to enable a large group of next of kin to visit the Islands."
Mr. Pearce said he shared the view of Councillors, of disappointment that the visit is not taking place.
He said, "It's a great pity that the Families Commission has taken the decision not to come..." News in brief No entry for Castle. NAVAL patrol vessel HMS Leeds Castlehas been refused entry into the port of Punta Arenas; however Chilean authorities did offer her the opportunity to call into Puerto Montt.
The decision to refuse permission to Punta Arenas was announced this week in the Chilean press who reported that no reasons for the refusal had been given by the government.
On Thursday morning a military spokesperson said the Chilean authorities suggested HMS Leeds Castlecall into Puerto Montt instead but, "...as the latter was not a convenient alternative, the visit was cancelled."
She added however that permission has been granted to HMS Cardiff to visit Valparaiso in Chile.
His Excellency the Governor said the vessel was only due to arrive in Punta Arenas yesterday (Thursday) but the application was turned down last week, before the ship had left the Falklands. Soldiers support hospital EIGHT soldiers are walking from San Carlos to Stanley via Mount Pleasant, a distance of around 85 miles, in aid of Stanley's hospital.
The eight-man team - six from the Ammunition Sub Depot and two from the Royal Engineers Maintenance Team and Vehicle Section - left San Carlos at 6.00am this morning and are expected to arrive in Stanley at around lunchtime tomorrow.
All funds collected on the walk and via collection boxes in pubs and bars in Stanley and Mount Pleasant are to be donated to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley. Petrol price increase PETROL prices have risen for the second time in three months.
The price per liter rose from 47p to 54p on Monday; this followed a twelve pence increase in May.
Fuel suppliers Stanley Services Ltd said the rise is a consequence of increased transportation costs.
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