MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Councillors assure public over Straw/Bielsa talks.

Falklands' elected Councillors reiterated this week in Stanley that the Islands' sovereignty will not be discussed during the forthcoming meeting in New York between the Argentine Foreign Minister Rafael Bielsa and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

They also revealed that a group of Councillors will be talking to a high Foreign Office official in London before the Straw/Bilesa meeting.

During a public meeting held this week Councillor Norma Edwards explained that the ministers will meet during the coming annual United Nations General Assembly when among other things the head of the Security Council is changed.

Along with Councillors Jan Cheek, Stephen Luxton and Richard Cockwell, Councillor Edwards will be attending a meeting with Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell MP before the Straw/Bielsa meeting, to reiterate their views on a number of issues.

Councillor Edwards said if Mr. Bielsa brings up the Falkland Islands it will be made clear that sovereignty is not up for discussion. All Councillors assured that the public will be kept informed at all times.

They touched on reports in the Argentine press this week that flights to the Falklands from South America might be up for discussion.

Councillor Stephen Luxton said that it would be made clear a regular scheduled flight from Argentina would be unacceptable.

No cuts to garrison numbers

Councillors also revealed that Air Marshal Glenn Torpy, the new British Chief of Joint Operations visiting the Islands this week, has assured them there will be no further cuts to troops numbers in the Falklands or to the naval guard-ship.

Commonwealth and UK conferences

Several Councillors will be attending a number of international meetings in both Canada and the United Kingdom.

Councillors Birmingham and Cockwell and Clerk of Councils Claudette Anderson are attending the 50th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Canada next week.

The annual political Party Conferences in the UK in late September/early October will be attended by Councillors Norma Edwards and Stephen Luxton.

The Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) has also become a regular feature in Councillors' calendar and this year it will be attended by Councillors Jan Cheek and Norma Edwards. (PN)