MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update

Headlines:
Baroness reiterates support for Falklands; Bielsa attacks Britain; Anniversary of liberation;
Driver-less vehicle ends up in Stanley Harbour.

Baroness reiterates support for Falklands

BARONESS Margaret Thatcher, guest of honour at the Falkland Islands Government's Annual Reception held at Lincoln's Inn in London, has reminded Islanders of her support for the Falklands. Some 350 guests attended the Wednesday evening reception with Baroness Thatcher, who was introduced to the guests by David Tatham, former Governor and Chairman of the Falkland Islands Association and Shackleton Scholarship Committee. She spoke to a large number of people and expressed her continued interest in, and support for, the Islands. A number of Islanders attended including two councillors, John Birmingham and Mike Summers, the Clerk of Councils and the Government Secretary. Islanders on holiday and living in the UK and Falklands students also attended. Among the other guests were former Governors, former Commanders of British Forces and representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. From the political side, several MPs and members of the House of Lords were there. Lord Hurd, President of the Falkland Islands Association and Michael Ancram, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, attended. The speech given by the Falkland Islands Government Representative, Sukey Cameron, was well received. She said the abiding theme in the Islands over the last year has been that of "reaching out", through political, social and sporting events and visits. She echoed the comments made by His Excellency the Governor in his Address to the Nation last month, saying progress with Argentina had been less than positive. "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." Miss Cameron said although the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission continues to meet periodically, "...the quality of co-operation we have received from the Argentine side has been disappointing." A message from Her Majesty the Queen was read out by Mr Tatham, who then proposed the Loyal Toast, before guests watched the Band of the Irish Guards Beating the Retreat on the Lawn. Baroness Thatcher joined Miss Cameron on the dias along with Major General Sebastian Roberts OBE, Officer Commanding London District, who took the Salute.

Photo: Baroness Thatcher chats to David Tatham and Councillor John Birmingham at Lincoln's Inn on Wednesday evening. Picture: Lewis Photos.

Bielsa attacks Britain

THE Argentine Foreign Affairs Minister, Rafael Bielsa, has attacked Britain for what he described as continuous "unilateral actions" in the Falkland Islands, in an address to the Organisation of American States. Mr Bielsa said such actions as hydrocarbons prospecting, selling fishing licences, fisheries policing in the South Atlantic and holding on to the military base at Mount Pleasant "which has an operational capability far beyond the disputed area" are all contrary to the spirit of co-operation, and violate the United Nations resolution which calls on both sides to abstain from introducing unilateral modifications, while the Islands are in the process of "decolonisation." However, in spite of this "annoying and protracted situation," Mr Bielsa said Argentina looks forward to continuing with the dialogue putting an end to the "colonial situation." "My government has explicitly reiterated its willingness to negotiate, however the United Kingdom persists in a negative attitude of rejection," claimed Mr Bielsa. Councillor Roger Edwards described Mr Bielsa's words as "the usual rant" which appeared to be a "lead in" to the Decolonisation Committee (C24) meeting taking place next week at the United Nations in New York. He added that Britain no longer has colonies: "...they now have self-governing Overseas Territories." Councillors Stephen Luxton and John Birmingham will represent the Falkland Islands at the C24. Councillor Edwards said the message from the pair would be a "continuation of where we left off last year, reaffirming our right of self-determination as a people in our own right." PN/MP

Anniversary of liberation

TO MARK the anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation in 1982, Tuesday, June 14 will be a public holiday. A service of thanksgiving will be held in Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday morning, followed by a ceremony at the Liberation Monument. A civic reception, hosted by His Excellency the Governor, will be held in the Falkland Islands Defence Force Club from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Driver-less vehicle ends up in Stanley Harbour

DESPITE a high tide and blustery winds, fire fighters and staff from the Public Works Department yesterday managed to retrieve a vehicle from the waters of Stanley Harbour with the minimum of fuss. It is believed that the vehicle was parked outside the Attorney General's Chambers and, while the driver was inside the building, rolled down the hill and into the harbour. Although the driver-less Suzuki Vitara crossed a main road, no one was hurt in the incident. Chief Fire Officer Gardner Fiddes said water was up the level of the windows inside the vehicle and it has sustained some minor damage. He said he was pleased with the response from the Public Works blacktop gang and dock yard crew, "...some of whom are also retained firefighters." The Falkland Islands CompanyLtd launch Speedwell was also on standby, in case the vehicle drifted away from its position near the sea wall. Mr Fiddes said he was pleased with the vehicle's quick recovery, "...which helped avoid any fuel or oil spills and damage to the sea wall."

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