MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
UK Minister meets opposition from Falklands Councillors on next-of-kin issue
Summers: “Argentina banned the charter flights to the islands, not the Islanders” BRITISH Overseas Territories Minister Meg Munn met with opposition from Falkland Islands councillors during her recent visit to the islands when she suggested Argentine next-of-kin might be allowed to visit the Falklands via a charter flight.
Speaking to Falklands Radio, Councillor Mike Summers commented that it was the Argentine Government itself that had prohibited charter flights to the Islands for political reasons. He noted that he and other Falkland Islands Government Representatives were, "not moved to change our minds," despite the Minister's comment that it was important that the Islanders portray to the wider world that they are "reasonable and humane" with regard to the issue. She noted, however, that next-of-kin visits had taken place and there existed the option of the Argentine relatives of war-dead visiting by ship – an alternative preferred by councillors. Councillor Summers said he had no wish to 'play politics with next-of-kin visits' but was at pains to emphasise that it was Argentine politics that had created the situation saying, "Argentina banned the charter flights to the islands, not the Islanders" The Minister arrived in the Falklands on January 3 and spent time with Government officials and Islanders before leaving on January 5. She explained to local press that the visit had helped her, "understand how a small population managed in relation to a whole range of issues." Mrs Munn said issues on the agenda during her meeting with councillors included, flights and access, the constitutional review and the islands relationship with Argentina. The Minister's responsibilities include Overseas Territories, the Caribbean and Central America, South East Asia and consular policy. By Lisa Jonhston - SeAled PR - Stanley
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