MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Prime Minister's message:' no doubts over sovereignty'

PM Brown: “I have no doubts about the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands”

In his first New Year address to the Falkland Islands, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has restated the commitment of his government to protecting Islanders' right to self-determination.

He told Islanders: "I have no doubts about the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and undertake to uphold your security and everything you have worked so hard to achieve over the past 25 years." Mr Brown used his address to look back on what he described as "a busy and emotional year for the people of the Falkland Islands" which marked the 25th anniversary of Argentina's invasion of the Islands. He said: "These commemorations, in both the UK and the Falkland Islands, were a fitting and respectful tribute to all those who lost their lives in the conflict, many of them defending your freedom and your right to determine your own future. "In November you welcomed back to the Islands some of the British veterans of that campaign, many of whom were returning for the first time and who were able to remember fallen comrades and recall memories of the conflict. We all owe a debt to the courage shown by our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women who we call upon to defend the freedoms and values that symbolise Britain and what she represents." As for Argentine veterans of the conflict, the Prime Minister said that, with the agreement of the Falkland Islands Government, discussions were taking place with the Argentine Families Commission to enable families of Argentine fallen to visit the Islands. He said: "It is important that ordinary Argentinians also have the opportunity to remember their loved ones who were sent into battle and your compassion in allowing such visits to go ahead is greatly appreciated." After reflecting on the past, Mr Brown said it was time to look forward to the future: "And the opportunities we hope it will bring for the sustainable development of the Islands' natural resources whilst minimising the impact on your stunning natural environment for generations of Falklanders to come." He welcomed the Constitutional Review: "Britain's policy on Overseas Territories is about self-determination, democracy and partnership. It is fitting that this year, officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Falkland Islands Government have begun a review of the Falklands Constitution to ensure that you have a modern Constitution that meets the needs and challenges of the Islands in the 21st century." Penguin News