MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina waging a ‘vicious war’ against the Falkland Islands

MLA Luxton: Islands prepared “to counteract the lies and propaganda that emanates from the Casa Rosada”

Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly member Bill Luxton aimed a fierce broadside against Argentine government propaganda and pressure on the Falklands. He was supported by several colleagues from the Legislative Assembly.

“Although their government seems to have given up murdering its own people for the time being, it is still conducting a vicious war with the Falklands on the economic and political front,” said MLA Luxton.
“So far we must seem to the outside world to have been somewhat supine, and I for one am fed up with it.”

Earlier MLA Glenn Ross said he favoured options that would “put us in control and make us more sustainable and independent.”
He continued: “We do at times like to play the defenceless victim. I think it is a time to be bold and assertive.”

MLA Dick Sawle also said: “I look forward to the time when we are no longer held to ransom by the illogical, irresponsible and downright absurd tactics of unfriendly nations.
“Their constant antics have been useful to us in that they have effectively managed to destroy any bridges they have tried to build in the past through their own actions.”
While it was apparent some form of action was being planned by LA members, the form such action might take was not made clear, nor was it clear whether the chosen arena for the fight would be political or economic.

However, MLA Ross’s statement gave some clues: “There are many issues being worked on, and it is a little frustrating that we are unable to say too much about them at this time.
“There are some exciting initiatives and opportunities and I hope the numbers fall in our favour. I would like to thank the Development Corporation and government officials for their work on these issues.”

MLA Short added: “A good deal of what is happening must stay out of the public’s gaze for some time yet, and some of it may never see the light of day, but you can be assured there are great efforts afoot to try and ensure that our country has the tools to continue on its path of economic expansion.”

MLA Sawle continued in the same vein: “Many things are happening in the Falkland Islands and I hope that soon we are going to be able to announce plans to enhance our economy and reduce dependence on unfriendly countries.”

Meanwhile, MLA Luxton was in no mood to take Argentina’s bullyboy tactics lying down: “I would like to see us go on the offensive, loudly and often, to counteract the lies and propaganda that emanates from the Casa Rosada from a president whose stability even the Americans seem to query at one stage,” he said.

“Take note, Mrs Kirchner; we have more right to our country than you and your people have to yours, and many of us have probably been here far longer.
“Certainly there are families represented round this table going back many generations more than you”.

By John Fowler - Penguin News - Stanley