MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ government regrets Mercosur decision but understands the “bullying tactics from Argentina”

Jan Cheek, “we welcome Mujca’s statement that Uruguay will not participate in an economic blockade of the Falklands”

Members of the Falklands elected Legislative Assembly deeply regret the Mercosur decision to ban Islands flagged vessels from entering their ports, but also understands “the bullying tactics from Argentina”, said an official Wednesday release from the Falklands’ government.

However “we welcome reports that President Mujica has said that Uruguay will not participate in an economic blockade of the Falkland Islands”.

The release dated December 21 was read by Member of the Legislative Assembly Jan Cheek following the announcement from Mercosur presidents of the decision that closes the ports of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil to Falkland Islands flagged vessels.

“The people of the Falkland Islands deeply regret the decision by Mercosur to ban our legitimately flagged vessels from entering their ports, though we can sympathise with our friends in South America as to the bullying tactics employed by Argentina”.

“We are resourceful people, and we will not bow to Argentina in their attempts to undermine our home and way of life, said MLA Cheek.

The lawmaker underlined that “we welcome reports that President Mujica has said Uruguay will not participate in an economic blockade of the Falkland Islands” and reminded “the countries of South America of the long and mutually beneficial trade relationship we share with countries in the region, and encourage them to respect us as the valuable and reliable regional partner we have strived to be”

Finally “it is not yet clear what practical impact, if any, this resolution will have”

However, the UK Government has said that they share the concerns of the Falkland Islands over the statement, and are urgently discussing the issue with countries in the region.

“The Foreign Office has reassured The Falkland Islands that no one should doubt the UK Government’s determination to protect the Islanders' right to determine their own political future”.