MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islands: Flights dispute in limbo as diplomatic talks continue
FALKLANDS, UK and Argentine diplomats today remain locked in sensitive discussions as the latest dispute over the next of kin flights enters its second week. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesi) LAN is a Chilean company. Speculation about how some of their moves could have been originated on pressure from external sources can be either simple hearsay or be motivated by regional politics at any of the four concerned governments (Huckle's included), to put pressure somewhere else. No one can claim innocence here.
Aug 28th, 2009 - 11:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0ii) Cllr Summers' viperous teeth are always ready to bite at anything related with Argentina, for reasons not necessarily connected with the 1982 saber-rattling, although perhaps age is taking its share. He forgets that two years ago one of his trawlers was captured illegally fishing in Argentine waters and was returned after a fine was paid. Next time it may be sent a few hundred fathoms down, to escort the General Belgrano's remains.
iii) Torturing each other's citizens is inhuman, and anything but fair play. So I'd ask all parties here, not only country leaders but goverment officials as well, to stop the nonsense and cooperate with each other in everything where people is involved, leaving old territorial discussions to the appropriate international offices. It is very unfortunate that after all these years we still are, as Borges said “two bald men fighting for a comb”. Now, shake hands and say 'I'm sorry' . Cheers.
Reciprocal charter flights make the most sense for everybody.
Aug 29th, 2009 - 07:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0reciprocity means that if you want to receive first you have to give.
Aug 29th, 2009 - 12:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0argentina don´t need charters flights from falklands, kelpers needs them.
“argentina don´t need charters flights from falklands, kelpers needs them”
Aug 30th, 2009 - 06:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A statement like that just makes you look like a fool!
The story is about a dispute is over a flight to the Islands which ARGENTINA wants!
you seem to be the fool
Aug 30th, 2009 - 09:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0the NOK don´t need a charter flight, just two regular are enough as it is agreed...kelpers need the charters for their tourism industry, not argentina.
Oh, I don't think so Farenheit, more the fool you are...
Aug 31st, 2009 - 12:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0“the NOK don´t need a charter flight” Really? This whole thing started with NOK trying to organise a charter flight... but charter flights are banned by Argentina, aren't they?
Funny then, that when the FIG suggest the scheduled flights - as long as anyone already booked on those flights is allowed to travel - suddenly all those already booked are somehow bumped off... that's how Argentina works. Nice!
The Falklands have managed quite well for a number of years without charter flights, so your assertion that they “need” them sounds a bit hollow...
yes, they manage quite well; with nearly zero landbased turists when Tierra del Fuego (the other south atlantic island) receives 200.000 turists per year.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 01:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0Rest assured, Argentina will never squander an opportunity to be spiteful and obdurate, when mending fences and achieving detente would be so more productive.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 02:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0Tourism is money.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 10:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0Tourism is better than oil.....look TDF.
@Farenheit, it's fairly obvious you don't know what you are talking about so digging yourself deeper into the realms of fooldom.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 03:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Last season the Falklands received 69,000 visitors, and if you consider the Falklands are about a quarter the size of Tierra del Fuego, that's more tourists per square km than Tierra del Fuego. Any more would be unsustainable.
@MrRock&Roll;You sure there is no oil or natural gas pumped out of Tierra de Fuego? 100% certain? I think you had better check again...
the 69.000 cruise visitor for falklands only represents 7 millon dollars.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 05:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0tourism in TDF represents a 150millon dollar industry.
the key are the land based tourists; cruise visitors are important but they don´t generate so much econonomic activity.
more than zero landbased turists would be unsustainable??
So what if tourism in the Falkland's is less developed than Tierra del Fuego. Where are all these “land based” tourists going to stay anyway, and who is going to look after them? How many hotel beds do you think the Falklands have?
Aug 31st, 2009 - 06:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What difference does it make anyway that TDF has an apparently very successful tourism industry and the Falklands are on a smaller scale? It makes absolutely no difference. The Falklands are entitled to develop their tourism industry in exactly the way they want to...
It´s true, there are few hotel beds in falklands, and that´s precisely their potential: investment, $, construction, development, economic growth. that´s the way the money flows.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 07:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yes, they can develop their industry as they want, no industry like now, no hotels, no restaurants, no services, no nothing or an industry according the regional reality of the sector. It´s their choice, now the choice seems irrational when you see their tourism potential.
The choice is not so irrational when you consider Argentina's behaviour in recent years. There's no point in developing a tourism industry if access can suddenly be cut off.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 09:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Argentina agreed to charter flights from the mainland in 1999 but then suddenly in 2003, without warning, withdrew permissions for charters to use Argentine airspace. Until Argentina agrees to charter flights again and can be trusted not to change their mind on a whim, what is the point in investing in “land based” tourism?
I understand your view, but according to that view you are saying that Argentina has the effective power over the falklands, so Argentina has the power, when she decides, to allow the developmet of the falklands or to leave them like now.
Aug 31st, 2009 - 09:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don´t agree with that view, I think that the kelpers have the power in their hands; they can decide to find with UK a solution about argentina´s claim. Meanwhile as they don´t agree with argentina the cost of the lost potential is paid by the kelpers. Always it´s their election between conflict & no development or solution & development.
Of course the Islanders have the power in their hands. It is their choice and that is their right. They are not choosing conflict with Argentina, but rather Argentina is imposing it on them.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 12:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0If Argentina wants to continue being an aggressive neighbour then there is not much the Islanders can do about it - they are certainly very used to it.
Anyway, despite all the difficulties and uncertainties Argentina tries to create, the Islands have experienced massive economic growth in the last 20 years and are much better off than they used to be.
There are tourism dollars for everyone here, lads. Tourists come in different styles, different models, different requirements, packed as herrings in huge, high, white ship-shops. Those who come in those boats, use to stay one day ashore, enjoying a pint or two, walking along (demined) beaches, picking seashells, buying collectibles to show their relatives back at home and watching the various native species (animal, vegetable and human alike) in their natural environment. Then, before sun sets, they take their rafts to go back to their cosy (and already dearly paid for) floating B&B's .
Sep 01st, 2009 - 12:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0After dinner, the captain will slowly sail Westward, or Eastward, to arrive next morning into the next port. Yours or ours...
So there's no need for us to argue and call names, but be aware instead that the sooner we arrange something rational with our neighbours, the better. However, old grudges, territorial claims, teddy bears, flag raising, &c should be given to those to whom we pay to do it, i.e. politicians, in order that they (unsuccessfully) deal with for ages without end, while we - the rational people - enjoy our unique and only lives, in the best possible way.
I agree, life, falklands & patagonia are too beatifull to keep living in conflict.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 02:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0Well, about the conflict, I think that in Argentina we have the opossite view, our view is that the conflict is imposed to us by britain being in falklands.
Perhaps the reality is that the conflict is imposed to both of us, argentines and kelpers, equaly by britain.
I hope for the day thay argies and kelpers could talk to each other in peace and without the crown in the middle. Cooperation and life would be much easier.
I'm sorry but that is utter nonsense. The FIG has proposed direct talks with the Argentine Government. Argentine refuses to talk to them insisting it will only talk to the British Government. The British Government has no desire to sustain a conflict with Argentina, it would be happy for the FIG and Argentine Governments to talk.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 05:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0But its Argentina that has torn up every single agreement that had been achieved since the war, its Argentina that is now ratcheting up the tension again and its Argentina that is exploiting the bereaved families for crass political reasons.
Its Argentina that started and sustains this conflict, the British are only present in the South Atlantic to defend a small island community from an overtly aggressive and oppressive neighbour.
Co-operation, yeah, would be nice. But its Argentina that frustrates any co-operation, its Argentina that perpetuates conflict. And its Argentina's bullying that simply entrenches attitudes in the islands.
“The FIG has proposed direct talks with the Argentine Government”. That's a very big lie. Do you wanna direct talks??? about what??? Since many years argentina is looking for talks with uk about sovereignty and they refuse to it. Do you wanna be in its place and to talk to our goverment about the sovereignty issue??? If not, there is nothing to talk with you, only with UK (wich has a military base there). And they are not there to protect you, they don't give a s**t about you, they are there because of its arrogance. Cheers.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 06:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0“The FIG has proposed direct talks with the Argentine Government”. That's a very big lie.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 02:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0- No, it's not a lie. Just a brief search of news stories in google will prove that you wrong.
Do you wanna direct talks??? about what???
- Yes, the FIG has been proposing direct talks for years. To talk about things of mutual interest like fisheries, oil, communications and the sort of things neighbouring countries talk about...
Since many years argentina is looking for talks with uk about sovereignty and they refuse to it.
- The Falkland Islanders do not want a change in their status. They have made this clear many times. There is nothing to talk about. Argentina's claim is very weak in any case. If there was any *real* claim, the UN would have done something about it long ago...
If not, there is nothing to talk with you, only with UK
- Nothing new there...
(wich has a military base there)
- Yes, because Argentina invaded in 1982 and cannot be trusted (as they have shown by breaking every agreement since then). Before 1982 there were just a handful of troops on the islands.
And they are not there to protect you, they don't give a s**t about you, they are there because of its arrogance
- Actually, they are there to protect the Falklands, and the base is there at the express request of the Falkland Islanders. If it was not for Argentina's aggression, there would be no military base.
Interesting isn't it, you point out that the FIG has several times proposed direct talks with the Argentine Government, in response to a poster from Argentina who suggest it, and because it paints Argentina in a bad light it must be a lie. Almost be reflex, it is dismissed as a lie, when it is easy to show that it is in fact true. Anyone with an open mind might check first but no, they rush to denounce it without thinking.
Sep 01st, 2009 - 04:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Do you wanna direct talks??? about what??? Since many years argentina is looking for talks with uk about sovereignty and they refuse to it. Do you wanna be in its place and to talk to our goverment about the sovereignty issue??? If not, there is nothing to talk with you, only with UK”
There we have it in a nut shell, Argentina doesn't want talks. Britain has made it plain that the wishes of the islanders are paramount, they won't do anything without their consent but Argentina's position is they don't matter and don't get to have a say in their future, they don't get to have a voice. So much for “democratic” Argentina.
The UK military base only exists because of Argentine aggression, back before the “Operation Condor” stunt (where Argentina is the only “democratic” country to laud terrorists and grant them a state pension), there was in fact no military presence. After that the British military presence consisted of the 40 Royal Marines of NP 8901. The only reason there is a base at all is to deter further Argentine aggression and if it wasn't there “democratic” Argentina would invade in a heartbeat.
Blah, blah, blah. Argentines this, Bennies that. Its pathetic. Come off it, will you?
Sep 01st, 2009 - 10:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0None of us will NEVER EVER produce a solution discussing at our levels.
Leave the baby to politicians, military, geeks, nerds, MP's, LegAsses, and that kind of people, and enjoy your short and unique lives. You'll never regret it...
“Just in ... there” you appear to live in a tupperware. Argentina cannot invade for two solid reasons, although the second should be enough:
i) One cannot invade his own home (haha, I'm poking...);
ii) no country can invade its neighbour unless the invader has the full necessary military means and potential to do it, break all defences, and hold the position for good. In these modern times no raping, slashing of throats or burning homes to the ground is deemed absolutely necessary.
With particular reference to point ii), Argentina's best chances are that an airforce jet gets across the sea, unarmed and in broad daylight, to try a forced landing in the nearest possible island before using the last pint of fuel, and this if enough fuel is found to be pumped into its tanks, and a pilot can be convinced to fly dilapidated junk that was never maintained or replaced by the government, to this day, since 1982...
And as we found out in 1982, all it takes is some crazy in Argentina desperate to hold onto power who exploits the issue to stay in power. A small island community can't do much to defend itself.
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 03:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0Don't tell me that an invasion wouldn't be popular in Argentina.
“Yes, the FIG has been proposing direct talks for years. To talk about things of mutual interest like fisheries, oil, communications and the sort of things neighbouring countries talk about...”
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 03:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0Neighbouring countries???? For god sake!!! you are NOT a country!!!
“The Falkland Islanders do not want a change in their status. They have made this clear many times. There is nothing to talk about. Argentina's claim is very weak in any case. If there was any *real* claim, the UN would have done something about it long ago...”
We don't care your wishes. You inhabit OUR islands!!!. Let me repeat that, OUR islands!!!!! We want them back!!!
I'll tell you something. There will not be more wars but you will not live in peace until you sit down to talk, we will make life as difficult as posible for you!! call me wat ever you want but that is how it works!
you control the islands by military means and we control the air access from south america because our neighbor countries are supporting us. They don't want you there, did you notice that??? or you are so narrow-minded to understand it???. GROW UP!!! . Cheers
So what exactly makes Argentina belong to all those European immigrants who stole the land from its indigenous people; cue deafening silence or some bland statement that its somehow different.
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 05:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0If the Argentine claim was as strong as they claim they'd have gone to the ICJ years ago; yet when given the opportunity to take its sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands dependencies to the ICJ Argentina bottled it. But then like most irredentists claims its utter nonsense and really you know it.
And listen to yourselves, you're going to bully a small island community for having the temerity to stand up for itself. And all those brave Spanish speaking countries ganging up behind you against a small English speaking community. Call it what it is, naked racism because you can bet if they spoke Spanish it would be very different.
And as for advice on growing up, after a temper tantrum worthy of a spoilt brat, I don't suppose for one second the naked hypocrisy struck you.
“And listen to yourselves, you're going to bully a small island community for having the temerity to stand up for itself. And all those brave Spanish speaking countries ganging up behind you against a small English speaking community. Call it what it is, naked racism because you can bet if they spoke Spanish it would be very different”
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 05:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0If you spoke spanish, you would be proud to have the argentine flag there, believe me! and all those spanish speaking countries you mentioned are the most nearest countries you have to travel and understand the outside world so be carefull, UK will one day betray you as they almost did in the early 1980's. Most of you didn't even have british citizenship remember??? It will happen one day. Cheers
“And listen to yourselves, you're going to bully a small island community for having the temerity to stand up for itself. And all those brave Spanish speaking countries ganging up behind you against a small English speaking community. Call it what it is, naked racism because you can bet if they spoke Spanish it would be very different”
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 06:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0Son apenas 3000 personas que perfectamente pudieran hablar español. Si no lo hablan es por que no quieren. Tienen todas las facilidades para hacerlo. Pero aun hablandolo nada cambiaria.
Sorry to write in spanish, I forgot it is not allowed to do it here(talking about naked racism). Cheers.
Mmm, I wouldn't go on the Spanish side of Mercopress and write in English. A.) its impolite and B.) Merocpress ask you to respect other contributors and write in the same language. How you can turn that into racism, when it applies equally beats me.
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 04:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 09th generation Falklanders remember those, the people who've been there longer than most Argentines have been Argentine. If they choose to keep their culture that is up to them. As opposed to your arrogant assertion they should learn what you tell them to.
Somehow raising the flag of the country that launched its ill-advised invasion, turned the place upside down, shit everywhere, trashed the place, dumped landmines willy nilly and has since torn up every agreement and never passes up an opportunity to belittle or find someway to damage the economy, whilst at the same time dismissing that you have any right to determine your own future, well I doubt it would be very welcome.
Sep 02nd, 2009 - 04:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Well dudes, if you wouldn't take good advice for free then carry on doing what Jorge Luis Borges said. You'll make no new friends, settle nothing and, worse of it all, you'll have to take sleeping pills because you'll take your rage and grudges to bed. Or viagra, if you happen to be asked to comfort your mate. Cheers
Sep 03rd, 2009 - 09:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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