MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
New Falklands draft constitution announces Summers
FULL agreement has been reached between the Falklands Legislative Council and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the content of the new Falklands draft Constitution, announced Councillor Mike Summers in London this week.
Speaking to the Falkland Islands Government Annual Reception on June 10, he said. "This provides for some important new developments in the human rights chapter, most particularly to enshrine in the body of the Constitution the right to self determination for non-self governing territories in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. "It also substantially advances internal self government and the promotion of democratic government, by making it a requirement that the Governor consult, and accept the advice of Executive Council, on all matters except international affairs, defence, the administration of justice, and good governance issues." This draft will now go to final public consultation in the Islands prior to final submission to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House, and the Privy Council in October. The new Constitution should be effective from January 1 2009. Aggressive neighbourAt the reception, attended by former British Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher, Councillor Summers spoke of communications and the impact on them as a result of the islands relationship with Argentina. He said, "Restricted external communications remain a constraint on development, but it is hard to see any easement in the short to medium term in the relationship with our aggressive and difficult neighbour." Councillor Summers explained that negotiations with the FCO and MoD to improve access to, and quality, of the air-bridge are ongoing, but, "?frankly show only limited signs of delivering a better service. Without more capacity northbound we will remain constrained in what we can achieve as a community, and leave ourselves exposed to further restrictive action by the Argentines. "The smart thing to do is to increase the quantity and quality of north-south capacity so that east-west communications are no longer critical. To do this independently would be everyone's ideal outcome – we don't bother the MoD and they don't bother us – but a joint approach is the only practical solution at present, so we hope for more positive discussions to come." Guests at the London Reception also included ex Falklands Governors, South Atlantic Medal Association (1982) representatives and members of the British Parliament. By Lisa Johnston – SeaAled PR - Stanley
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