MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

MPs Brian Binley and Madeliene Moon with her husband Stephen

Headlines: Neighbours from hell' - Visiting MPs speak out about Argentina; Flying visit for Princess Royal; As Endurance prepares for a piggy-back home.

'Neighbours from hell' - Visiting MPs speak out about ArgentinaAT the end of a week long visit, Conservative Member of Parliament for Northampton South, Brian Binley, concluded that the Falklands' people, of whom he had talked to a broad cross section, were the most important asset of the Islands. Unfortunately, he added, the Falklands have, "the neighbours from hell." Mr Binley said good neighbours are a vital part of good living in an interdependent world: "There's nothing worse than a bad neighbour and the Falklands face that for some considerable time," he said, adding: "I am hopeful that there will come a time in Argentina that they see working together has much more to recommend it than the activity we have seen over the last 20 - 25 years. They've got much more to gain than they have to lose, quite frankly." In the meantime, to alleviate pressure from Argentina, particularly with regard to flight restrictions, Britain should be doing exactly what they are doing now, said Madeleine Moon, Labour MP for Bridgend: "Britain is very quietly and very persistently holding a line and holding a conversation, because if you are not talking to someone you can't make change." Mrs Moon said she was impressed with the British Forces in the Falklands who are highly professional. "Anybody who has any anxiety about the commitment in the long term just needs to look at the estate [Mount Pleasant] and see that it is not a temporary camp. "It is establishing a huge footprint and making it absolutely clear that we are here and mean business and that is an important message to be sending out to the world," she said. Mr Binley added, "The message has to be loud and clear that Britain is not going anywhere and the Falklands are not going anywhere and that is for sure." Continued on page 3.Flying visit for Princess Royal A VISIT to the Falklands by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was confirmed by Government House on Wednesday. The Princess Royal is making a brief visit on March 24 and 25 on her way to South Georgia. Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne will be visiting the South Atlantic from March 23 to April 3 2009 at the invitation of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) of which she is a patron. The Royal party will be arriving and departing from the Falkland Islands and on March 24 and 25 a number of public engagements will be carried out. Visits to the Police Station, Fire Station, Infant Junior and Community Schools, Liberty Lodge, Falkland Islands Defence Force Headquarters, Cape Pembroke Lighthouse and Atlantic Conveyor Memorial, Port Louis Settlement and Stanley Power Station are planned. The Princess Royal last visited the Falkland Islands in January 2007. As Endurance prepares for a piggy-back homeCAPTAIN Gavin Pritchard OBE has personally assured that it is the intention of the Royal Navy that HMS Endurancewill return to full operational status as early as is safely possible. Loading of Endurance onto the heavy lift vessel HMS Target got underway in Choiseul Sound yesterday (Thursday). A contract was placed with Dockwise on January 28 for Enduranceto be returned to the UK. The ship, which suffered engine room flooding resulting in complete loss of propulsion off the Straits of Magellan in December last year, was due to commence a major refit period in May this year at the end of an 18 month trial deployment, so, in those terms, the programme has not changed, said Capt Pritchard. Enduranceis the third Royal Navy ship Capt Pritchard has commanded. Asked how he felt at the time of the incident he said the situation was one that a captain never wants to experience, with his immediate concern the safety of life at sea. He said: "The fact that there was no loss of life or even any serious injuries is testament to the efforts of my ship's company. I am immensely proud of my people for their resilience and fortitude through this very difficult spell. Ever since the initial incident, my people have continued to show great courage and commitment to recover the ship to the point where she is now ready to be transported home for the repairs." Once safely in the dockyard where the serious work of the refit and repairs will commence, he said, the ship's company will be reduced to about half its normal size. Captain Pritchard thanked Falkland Islanders for their tireless interest and support for the ship. He said: "I greatly appreciate all the help, hospitality and messages of good will. What I am looking forward to most now is the chance to bring Endurancesouth again, once she is repaired."