MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklanders optimistic about oil and precious metals
Falkland Islanders optimism in onshore drilling for minerals and precious metals as well as the growing interest in offshore oil exploration, and the Islands government policy of “reaching out” to the world were highlighted during the annual London reception for Falkland Islands supporters.
Addressing the reunion at Lincoln's Inn, Falklands' government representative in London Sukey Cameron stressed there could be no sovereign negotiations with Argentina since there's nothing "to concede" and pointed out that Argentina's recent complaint about the inclusion of the Falklands as a "British Overseas Territory" in the proposed European Constitution is "32 years too late!".
Ms. Cameron emphasized that "our commitment to remain part of the UK ‘family' is undiminished, and, if anything, strengthened by the economic and political pressure exerted by Argentina".
Ms. Cameron full speech follows: "Baroness Thatcher, Ministers, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen: "Welcome again to our Annual Reception. I am delighted that so many of you are able to join us; it certainly demonstrates the strength of support in Britain for the Falkland Islands.
"I particularly welcome our MP supporters and congratulate them on surviving the hustings! It was a good election for us. We lost none of our friends and even gained some new ones! We have our General Election in November, but without political parties, Paxman or Peter Snow (two high-profile television journalists), I doubt it will be quite so exciting. But it will be no less important to us for all that.
"If there has been one abiding theme in the Falkland Islands over the last year, it has been that of "reaching out", whether in a political, social or sporting context. In addition to the annual visit by UK MPs, we welcomed a lively group of Canadian parliamentarians and we also hosted the Red Ensign Conference. As always, all our visitors have enjoyed our famous hospitality.
"We have also been well represented overseas. Our Councillors - two of whom I am pleased to say are with us this evening - have attended a number of conferences. Representatives of our commercial sector have taken part in international exhibitions and our sportsmen and women will compete soon at the Island Games in the Shetlands.
"We have also reached out to the devastated countries following the natural disasters that touched us all. We raised more than £28,000 for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal and the Government contributed the whole of its Disaster Relief Budget to Grenada in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.
Optimism on oil and precious minerals search "At home, our Councillors have just completed the Budget round. The early closure of one of the squid fisheries cast a shadow over our calculations. But we are used to tightening our belts, and no essential services or investments in the future of the Islands are affected. And, as one door closes - only temporarily we hope - another opens. Interest in offshore oil exploration continues to grow. Whilst there are no plans for a new Klondyke - yet! - onshore drilling for minerals and precious metals has started in Lafonia. We're not holding our breath, but we're certainly optimistic!
"Sadly, there is not such positive news regarding our relations with Argentina. Its Government continues to exert economic and political pressure but our commitment to remain part of the UK ‘family' is undiminished, and, if anything, strengthened by such pressure.
"Although the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission continues to meet periodically, the quality of cooperation we have received from the Argentine side has been disappointing.
"Last month, the Argentine Government complained to the European Commission over the fact that the Falkland Islands are included as a "British Overseas Territory" in the proposed Constitution. They are 32 years too late! The provision in the Constitution does no more than repeat the terms of the Treaty which brought the UK into the European Community in 1973!
"On a positive note, we were able to welcome representatives of the Argentine Families Commission in March, enabling them to visit the new Memorial at Darwin which was completed last year.
"No concession on Sovereignty"
"Rather than indulge in petty politics with Argentina, we are content to make our case to the international community and let the facts speak for themselves. At the United Nations Decolonisation Committee meeting last June, our Councillors stressed that there could be no negotiation over sovereignty because that implied a willingness to concede whereas there is nothing to concede, a point echoed over and over again by the British Government. However, the Councillors also reiterated our continuing commitment to co-operating with Argentina in agreed areas of mutual interest, and in particular, the protection of the region's environment and fish stocks. Councillors will be putting our case in New York once again in a few days time at this year's meeting.
"As many of you know, this Reception was inaugurated by the Falkland Islands Association over thirty years ago. Traditionally the Association Chairman reads out the annual message from Her Majesty the Queen at these events. For many years that task was carried out by Sir Rex Hunt. However, Sir Rex retired as Chairman in December and he and Lady Hunt have moved to County Durham (in Northern England) .
"Unfortunately, they cannot be with us, for the happy reason that their daughter is getting married on Saturday; but we are extremely grateful for all he did for the Islands, both as Governor and as Chairman of the Association, over so many years. I'm sure we would all like to wish him and Mavis a long and happy retirement.
"We are, however, delighted that the new Chairman of the Association, David Tatham, is able to join us this evening. David is also a former Governor of the Islands and Chairman of the Shackleton Scholarship Fund which this year celebrates its tenth Anniversary. In sponsoring visits by academic and quality of life scholars, it has not only helped them to become recognised in their own fields but also created a whole generation of ambassadors for the Falkland Islands. I cannot think of a better way of commemorating the lives of Sir Ernest and Lord Eddie Shackleton (the Antarctic Explorer and his son, who championed Falklands post-war development) .
"I end, as always, by paying tribute to all those who continue to uphold our right to self determination: The armed forces that have protected us in war and peace. Governments and politicians, whose support strengthens our resolve. And people like you, whose unswerving loyalty sustains our beliefs. We thank you all".
Harold Briley - London Photo: Peter Pepper
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