MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina and Chile prepare Beagle peace celebrations

Pte. Michelle Bachelet is welcome by Pte. Cristina Fernandez in her residence

Argentina and Chilean presidents will lead peace and reconciliation celebrations next December in Punta Arenas on the thirtieth anniversary of the papal intervention which prevented a full fledged war over the Beagle channel between the neighbouring countries back in 1978.

"In the framework of the 30th anniversary of the papal mediation President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will be visiting Chile on December 4 and 5", announced Chilean president Michelle Bachelet following an hour long meeting with Mrs. Kirchner at the Olivos residence in Buenos Aires. Bachelet added that a monument will be unveiled dedicated to Pope John Paul II and his peace mediation. In 1978 Argentina almost invaded Chile over the disputed Beagle channel and three islands in the region in the extreme south of Tierra del Fuego. Following the mediation the islands were awarded to Chile but Chilean sovereignty over the channel was limited only to the Pacific Ocean side. "We're profoundly convinced that in bilateral relations we are working quite closely united", said Ms Bachelet who was on an unofficial visit to Buenos Aires to participate in a woman leaders seminar sponsored by "Vital Voices of the Americas" which was started by former First Lady, Hillary Clinton. Ms Bachelet was awarded the "Global Trailblazer Award" for her outstanding leadership role. "I'm convinced that when gender is fully integrated, politics win, becomes more creative and better helps all citizens", said Ms Bachelet. At the informal meeting both presidents analyzed the Bolivian situation and reiterated their full support to the country's democratic institutions. The Union of South American Nations, Unasur is acting as facilitator and observer of the Bolivian situation. Ms Bachelet also confirmed that former president Nestor Kirchner and Bolivian diplomat Pablo Solon Romero are in a short list of candidates for the chair of Unasur which is made up with all South American countries including Surinam and Guyana.