MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands to rebut before C24 Argentine historical arguments
Cllrs. J. Robertson and R. Stevens will address the UN Decolonisation Committee AT the Decolonisation Committee of 24 next week, Falklands Councillors will query why Islanders are not deemed, like other self-governing countries, to have the right to self-determination.
Councillor Jane Robertson will ask why the Argentine sovereignty claim should somehow supersede that right. Councillor Richard Stevens, leading the delegation of two, will also argue in support of the Islanders right to determine their own choice of government. Councillor Robertson is likely to rebut the Argentine interpretation of some 'historical facts' used to support their claim. Councillor Robertson told Mercopressthat her final speech, "?has yet to be approved by my colleagues," but conceded there was a section of her speech that will draw the committee's attention to errors in the Argentine argument put forward every year in support of their claim. The Falklands delegation lead by Councillor Stevens will leave the Falklands this Saturday. The UN C24 session covering the Falklands question will occur on June 12, but Councillor Stevens confirmed to Mercopress that the three days before the official session will be used for "intense lobbying" of members of the committee. On a one to one level the pair will seek support for Islanders rights. During the June 12 session Councillor Robertson is likely to query whether the three principles that define a non-self governing territory, drawn up the 1960's, should still apply in 2008. Today, there are 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories remaining on the agenda of the United Nations and the Falkland Islands is included in this list, despite the fact that the Islanders view their territory as self-governing. The Falkland Islands has its own written constitution, which was recently under review. The reviewed draft will be ready for publication shortly, confirmed Councillor Mike Summers on Monday. A public consultation process will follow so that all Islanders will have the chance to understand and comment on the document. The new Falklands constitution will be in place by January 1, 2009. By Lisa Johnston - Sealed PR - Stanley
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