MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Prospective Falklands' candidates condemn Argentine claim
Dr. Davis believes the Falklands political argument should be promoted worlwide Predictably prospective Falkland Islands councillors condemned the Argentine claim to the Islands in electioneering speeches Wednesday evening.
Even artist James Peck, a former resident of Argentina and married to an Argentine woman spoke at length emphasising his loyalty to the Falkland Islands and stating "the Argentine claim is flawed?" Speaking on Falklands' radio he said as long as he lived in the Falklands the Argentine flag would not fly over it. However, he added, "It is 25 years since the war it is time to move on..." James is the only candidate of the four born in the Falklands and this is the first time he has stood for council. A more experienced rival, former Falklands Government Representative John Birmingham, who has lived in the Falklands for 34 years, commented, "...this council has been consistent in not being intimidated by pressures brought about by the Argentine republic." He vowed to continue in this vein were he elected. John is known in the Islands for his feisty approach to politics and he commented, "I'm experienced and a team player but still a paid up member of the awkward squad." Dr Richard Davies whose seat it is that became vacant due to a technicality pronounced that the Falklands should, "Take time to secure self determination and defend our right to stay British." He described Argentina as, "...having no valid claim," but noted, "...we cannot afford to be complacent." He emphasised his belief that the Falklands political argument should be promoted around the world and in South America at every opportunity. He made it clear he had, "...no problem," with the Argentine people but only with the "corrupt" practices of their government. Another former Councillor, Roger Edwards criticised the current government for its weak reaction to a 'flag-waving' Argentine visitor recently. He said he believed a firm no-nonsense policy should be in place in advance of such situations. Mr Edwards said he believed the Islands should, "...state our right to self-determination at the United Nations and emphasised, "...this must be continued." He made it clear he did not support taking the argument to Argentina. The Falklands by-election is scheduled for January 3, 2008. Dr Davies explained how the by-election came about saying, "...the Attorney General advised the Governor that my seat on council had become vacant. FIG had required me to act up as Chief Medical Officer when the Chief Medical Officer was on leave. They told me I could do this as a councillor. That was incorrect." Dr. Davies was the only prospective councillor to mention the newly sworn in President of Argentina Kristina Kirchner, criticising her pronouncements on the Falkland Islands. By Lisa Johnston – SeAled PR - Stanley
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