MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

No change in message from new Falklands Governor

In a ceremony, which possessed the degree of formality befitting his status as Her Majesty The Queen's representative, the new Governor of the Falkland Islands, Mr. Alan Huckle, was sworn into office on Monday morning in the Court and Council Chamber of Stanley's Town Hall.

Wearing the familiar ceremonial uniform, complete with plumed helmet, Mr.Huckle, began the proceedings by swearing oaths of allegiance and ?due execution of the office of governor' under the supervision of the Islands' Attorney General, Mr.David Lang, QC.

The Speaker of the Legislative Council, Mr.Lewis Clifton, then made a short speech of welcome to the new governor before presenting Mr.Huckle with the sword of office, which had been placed in his safe-keeping by departing Governor, Mr.Howard Pearce.

Replying, Mr.Huckle said how honoured and pleased he had been appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands and also, to complete the honour, Commissioner for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

When first approached he had known that this was not an offer that he would wish to turn down, though there were those in Anguilla, where he was then the serving Governor, who could not understand why he would want to trade the Caribbean sun for the gales of the SW Atlantic.

During an earlier visit, Mr.Huckle, who was Head of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Overseas Territories Department between 2001 and 2004 and also served in the Foreign Office Emergency Unit during the Falklands conflict in 1982, said that he had become aware of the haunting quality of these islands and the warmth and friendliness of the Falkland Islanders. His recent familiarisation visit had only served to reinforce his earlier impressions and his desire to come here.

The new Governor said that he was conscious of the weight of history connected with the Falklands and the fact that he was following some fairly illustrious Governors. Issues affecting the Falklands commanded high level attention in London.

Promising to use a "light touch" on internal affairs, within the parameters of the Constitution, Mr.Huckle was firm in his statements regarding Argentina.

"Relations with the Government of Argentina are now more difficult than we would wish. My understanding is that the Argentine Government is becoming increasingly impatient that there has been no progress towards a transfer of sovereignty to Argentina over the islands. But the British Government's position on this has been consistent and clear. There can be no question of any transfer of sovereignty without the agreement of the islanders."

"The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, made the point unequivocally in his message to the people of the Falkland islands on the 20th anniversary of the Falklands conflict: " In all our dealings with Argentina, we are absolutely clear that the sovereignty, security and right of self-determination of the Falkland Islands and its people are not open to negotiation or compromise. This message will not be subject to change."

"There is, therefore, no room for manoeuvre on sovereignty unless the islanders change their minds. That is why the so-called "sovereignty umbrella" is so important, since it allows sensible, co-operative measures to be agreed with Argentina without compromise to their sovereignty claim. Stable relations with Argentina and other South American countries are clearly desirable for the future development and well being of the islands ? and there have been several mutually advantageous agreements with Argentina, negotiated under the "sovereignty umbrella". But if the Government of Argentina decides to put increasing pressure, be it diplomatic or economic, on the Falkland Islands or those having dealings with the islands, this can only harm relations and make the negotiation of future such agreements that much more difficult. Such pressure can only be counter-productive."

"I hope, therefore, that the Government of Argentina will recognise that there continues to be benefit in co-operation on practical matters of mutual interest under the "sovereignty umbrella" without resort to other, unwelcome pressure, which will not succeed."

Speaking about the inevitable media attention that would be paid to the Falklands during next year's twenty-fifth anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, Mr.Huckle said that it would be "a time for commemoration and reflection, rather than celebration, although the bravery of those British soldiers, who fought and died in the defence of freedom and the right of self-determination in the face of armed aggression must be acknowledged and honoured."

Commemorative events, said Mr.Huckle, would have to be managed sensitively "if only to acknowledge that Argentine families will also want to mourn their dead and come to terms with the results of conflict."

The anniversary, concluded Mr. Huckle, " gives us an opportunity to show the progress that has been made since 1982. The islands are developing well economically and opportunities for further growth abound. There is an air of confidence and pride in the islands, which is a credit to you all. We need to get this across to the media to show that this is a vibrant society that has moved on."

John Fowler (Mercopress) Stanley