MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Blair congratulates Falklanders on long term fishing licences

British Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted “diplomatic challenges” in relations with Argentina but reiterated Britain's commitment to the Falkland Islands right to self determination and congratulated the Islanders on the introduction of long-term fishing rights for Falklands' companies.

However Mr. Blair promised to continue to work for productive dialogue with Argentina on areas of mutual interest, "not least in order to enhance your future security and prosperity".

Mr Blair's comments came during his annual Christmas message to Islanders, which was broadcasted on the BBC World Service. The full message follows:

"I am delighted to have this chance, as we approach the end of the year, to reflect on the last 12 months and send my best wishes to everyone of the Islands.

It's been another busy ? and at times ? challenging year. I am not likely to forget that elections were held in the UK and I also know that elections took place on the Islands as well. I would like to welcome Andrea Clausen, Janet Robertson, Richard Davies, Mike Rendell, and Richard Stevens to the Council. These new faces join Richard Cockwell, Mike Summers and Ian Hansen. I wish them all a successful and productive term in office.

But I would also like to congratulate everyone for the high voter turn-out in the elections. It underlines the importance you place on healthy, democratic Government. The new Council has, of course, many challenges to face but there are also some great opportunities.

With stunning natural beauty, spectacular wildlife and an enviable lifestyle, the prospects for tourism are exciting. The Tourist Board's new brochure contains some stunning images, which I am sure will help entice many more visitors to your beautiful Islands in the months and years to come.

And, amongst those who visit regularly are Westminster Members of Parliament. This is an important way of ensuring that MPs are aware of the particular challenges you face. I know because they tell me what a lasting impression these visits leave on MPs of both the beauty of the Islands and the warmth of the welcome they receive.

Like me, they are pleased to hear about the developments taking place in Agriculture and Fisheries on the Islands. There must be real pride in your success in increasing exports of sheep meat so that turn-over has tripled over the last three years. And, there have been important changes in the way your fisheries are managed, with the introduction of long-term fishing rights of Falklands' own Companies. I wish you well in your efforts to safeguard the economic future of the fishing industry in the Islands, and enhance the conservation of your marine resources.

I also want to thank those who have travelled long distances to represent your Islands at international events and conferences. As the UK has chaired both the G-8 and the European Union in the last 12 months, both of which involve considerable travel, I know myself that such trips are not always as glamorous as one might imagine. But I know, too, how important they are to ensure your voice is heard and to increase understanding. So, I hope the newly elected Council will continue this important representational work in the New Year.

The last year has, of course, posed diplomatic challenges in our relations with Argentina. We will, I promise, continue to work for productive dialogue on areas of mutual interest, not least in order to enhance your future security and prosperity.

As you know, the British Government strongly supports your right to self determination. So let me assure you that our commitment to uphold your security and the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands continues.

May I end, as always, by wishing everyone who lives and works on the Islands a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year".