MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' Councillors face busy June overseas.

Falkland Islands Councillors have a busy schedule of activities in June particularly a meeting with the new British Overseas Territories minister, Lord Triesman followed by the annual speeches before the United Nations Decolonisation Committee in New York on June 15.

Councillors John Birmingham and Stephen Luxton will represent the Falklands at the U. N. "C24" in New York arriving on June 11. Preparatory work and lobbying meetings are usually held during the days leading up to the meeting when the 'Falklands question' will be debated.

A spokesperson from Gilbert House said that later in the week the pair will travel to Washington where meetings in the State Department are being arranged, "...as a follow-up from contacts made in 2004."

Councillor Birmingham will travel north via London and, before heading to New York, he will attend a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)/ Wilton Park/World Bank Institute Conference.

This will take place from June 6-9 and the main theme will be "Promoting good governance and development in conflict-affected countries: the Role of Parliament and Government."

Councillor Birmingham will travel on to Canada after the C24 for three days, at the invitation of the Canadian CPA.

Councillor Luxton will combine his trip to New York with attendance at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in Calgary.

Councillor Mike Summers will be in the UK for a Stanley Services Board meeting in early June. This coincides with his attendance at the CPA British Isles and Mediterranean 36th Regional Conference which this year takes place in Jersey, Channel Islands. He will be joined by the Clerk of Councils, Claudette Anderson.

The Gilbert House spokesperson said, as is customary when in London, the Councillors, "...will take the opportunity to call in at Falkland House and to take part in any meetings".

The three Councillors, accompanied by London Representatives Sukey Cameron, will meet the new Minister with responsibilities for the Overseas Territories, Lord Triesman, on June 10. (PN).-