MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Scheduled flights non-negotiable.

Falkland Islands Councillors assured the public there will be no negotiations with Argentina concerning scheduled flights.

At Tuesday evening's public meeting, one member of the public suggested that it would be a "big step forward" to come to an arrangement regarding scheduled flights, possibly along the lines of the "excellent 1999 agreement."

Councillor Norma Edwards said it would be a "big step back," adding if the Falklands were to say yes to Argentina on the subject they would, "...soon want something else."

Councillor Summers commented that any change would have to be made from a position of strength adding that if Argentina were given a scheduled flight they would, "...use it to undermine commercial flights."

The same member of the public said that people within the tourism sector were losing income because of the stance being taken; he added that he had the support of others who were not prepared to speak in public. Councillor Birmingham replied that there was, "...no pressure from anyone in tourism on Councillors to introduce a flight."

Councillor Luxton said he would rather go back to, "...one boat a month than see a scheduled flight with Argentina."

A suggestion by the member of the public, who is involved in the cruise industry himself, that the British Government should pay compensation for lack of cruise ships was met with opposition from Councillors and the meeting as a whole.

Councillor Summers used the U-turn of the Spanish Government to the staunch stance taken by Gibraltar as an example of standing strong.

He said the British Government have been "strong and robust," on this subject and to give way would, "...open the way to being bullied in the future." (PN).