MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Argentine veterans insist with identifying remains of 123 comrades buried in Falklands
Argentine veterans from the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas war with Britain reiterated on Wednesday a request for the identification of 123 unknown comrades buried in the Falkland Islands. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesYou argies might get some where if you stopped using words like insist and demand.have some manners,as for not being identified welcome to the club
Mar 08th, 2012 - 06:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0Of the 11954 burials in Tyne Cot cemetery, 8367 are unidentified
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/ypres-salient/cemetery-tyne-cot.htm
shouldnt be a problem! I dont think the Falklanders will mind, in fact they will probably assist in a very positive manner.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 07:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0Well if they are going to dig them up for DNA testing, then they should take them back to argentina with them too.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0Personally i do not believe it is right to dig up a dead person just so those living may know who he/she is, its not going to matter to the dead person if they know or not, so why disturb there remains? Rest in Peace means they should be left alone to Rest in Peace and not be used as lab experiments to satisfy a few people still living.
sounds simple to me.... the FIG should, at RG expense... dig em up.... take a sample for DNA purposes... post that to BA .... rebury em..... job done.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0Can't be to difficult... 123 names... 123 bodies... not like what still goes on at Fromelles etc....
Hey! I'm a Brit vet, and I don't see any objection. It's a cheap shot to revile the dead and their relatives and friends, so you that want to insult yourselves by countering this reasonable request from Argentina, go ahead- the dead can't hear you.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0This is something that should be allowed without objection. Also, I am sure that, if asked, the NOK would much prefer their loved ones bodies to be on home soil. So why not do both things at once. Exhume all of the bodies and send then home with dignity to Argentina for identification and burial in local graves so that family members can visit them.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0I think it's disgusting that they want to start digging up their own war dead who are resting in peace. However, if they are being disturbed, then I'm sure taking them back it's an issue. I personally think it's better to leave them where they came to rest, but other folks (USA, etc) think otherwise.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0Insulting the dead and the living seems quite a common part of their culture.
It is not intrinsically 'insulting' to disinter and reinter elsewhere the war dead.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 10:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0The identification technologies exist to put names to most of the 123 Unknown.
All that remains unresolved is the politics.
Exhumation needs no involvement of the 'Malvinas War Veterans' branch from La Plata, nor the Argentine Anthropology Forensic Team, EAAF. These or other Argentinian teams can do what they need to do once the 'coffins' are landed in Argentina.
I imagine that the UK would not charge for the job,
and would willingly transport and escort the remains into Buenos Aires harbour with full military pomp and ceremony, as is appropriate to war dead the world over.
Spot on Geoff. Return them to home to their loved ones and NOK. The Falklands will rise to the occasion and pay for that. Will finally allow proper bereavement in a humanitarian way. CKF should also rise to the occasion and opportunity. She wouldn't want NK buried is some far distant field!
Mar 08th, 2012 - 10:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0@9 Fair comment.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 10:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0“......... identify the remains of our comrades and the probable causes of their death”
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0Surely the cause of death is known for all of them- bullet wounds or explosive impact.
Starting a war - that can do it !
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0Nice post Geoff. Regardless of the politics and views of each country the war dead should always be treated with the utmost respect.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0Good people from Argentina and the UK died for their cause and its worthwhile separating the politics of governments from the work of both the UK & Argentina's valiant servicemen carried out for their countries.
“to find the cause of death” mmm....nobody think thats a tadge strange? and will have nothing to do with Argentinas future attempt of fabricating war crimes during the 82 invasion ?, to gather much needed support for their comical crusade. Fook them off, they had their chance to take the bodies, plus if they take them relieving oneself will never be as much fun?
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0@11 RedBaron
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0If I remember rightly, their previous “request” last August they were examining the cause of death in case they “could lead to force us to consider possible war crimes or human rights abuses”.
Given that, it's difficult not to see it as a propaganda fishing trip (which I'm sure that it isn't intended to be) rather than a humanitarian mission for the relatives of those who are in unidentified graves.
Argentine based forensic team being unbiased and agendaless?
Mar 08th, 2012 - 11:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0please!! this is argentina, they should be refused point blank for disrespecting the dead,who they sent to be killed, give me a break.
... even the dead cannot hide from the talons of Mafia-Ghoul lady.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 12:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0l would leave them in peace.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 12:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0But if their families want them back, then thats their decision.
But l wouldn't let ANY Argentines get involved in whatever happens.
Just sign the receipts for the bodies.
l don't trust them not to try to get some mileage out of this.
Sad, but there you have it.
This shouldn't be a problem unless the Argentines use it for propaganda purposes. If the request is “can we come and identify our dead” there would be no problems at all. If it's more “we demand you allow an Argentine team” etc then maybe less so.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 12:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What's the deal with the all the demands? Why are they incapable of just asking nicely?
Mar 08th, 2012 - 01:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Not much magic left
Mar 08th, 2012 - 02:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/94765/not-much-magic-left------------------
21 stick up your junta
Mar 08th, 2012 - 02:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Well, we all said it was coming and were berated by the Argie bloggers (employed by CFK / Campora).
I wonder what they will say now? Can't wait for the backlash to really hurt the mad bitch.
http://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/british_cemetery_page_1.htm
Mar 08th, 2012 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@23 and ?
Mar 08th, 2012 - 04:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0is it me? or is there something profoundly sad to suspect the Argentines of ulterior motives in this matter. To my mind it's even sadder that had a certain party been more reasonalble , these young men could have been identified years ago when DNA technology first became available. As for repatriation of the dead, our young men killed in action in recent conflicts are brought home with honor and dignity, they are intered in cemeteries chosen by their next of kin. Usually close by, where they can be easily visited and where their next of kin can be allowed to grieve at their loss with privacy and respect. I'm sure if an Argentine family wanted their loved one returned, then it would be done, if they chose to leave them on the islands, that too would be allowed. To blanket ban any repatriation for political point scoring! is contemptible and disgusting beyond words.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 04:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@25 Urm... it's not our issue that Argentinians have never attempted to earn anyone's trust. Even on sad issues like this, you cannot wipe away the fact that there is probably an underlying motive.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 04:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@26
Mar 08th, 2012 - 05:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Exactly my point.
I am convinced that this is part of an argie propaganda move. As I recall, Britain offered to return the argie war dead at the end of the war. Argieland refused. Subsequently, has CFK not said that the interment of the argie war dead on the Falklands is yet another reason why argieland continues its claim? It also gives “cause” for continuing argie trips to the Islands.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 05:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I suggest that they are disinterred, examined by a British forensics team, cause of death established, appropriate certificate issued. Re-bagged. Containerised. And shipped, by sea, to argieland on a vessel flying the Falklands flag. And argieland should be told that if they refuse to let the vessel dock or refuse to unload the container, it will be offloaded off the mouth of the River Plate.
This solves so many problems. The bodies can be treated with appropriate respect. They can be reinterred in argie soil convenient to the relatives. No more argies on the Islands. The land at Darwin can be returned to the use of legal Falklanders.
This is the best option. There can be no cause for argie complaint.
Am i missing something , would the parents / loved ones have noticed that 123 relatives didnt return!!! so we must know their names?? its a start
Mar 08th, 2012 - 05:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0but sadly think this is a ploy for propaganda
29 cLOHO
Mar 08th, 2012 - 06:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You would think what you said would make sense but you're forgetting that, like Argentina's inflation figures of 2012, the real figure of war dead in 1982 is far higher than was ever published. Many dozens if not hundreds more Argentines were actually killed.
“The request was presented by the Malvinas War Veterans branch from La Plata, to Julio Alak, Justice and Human Rights minister”
Mar 08th, 2012 - 06:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0justice and human rights ,well theres their double barreled motives right there and that is the thinly disguised card they are playing which in time will lead onto something more twisted and sinister, when they find irregularities do not exist they will make them exist, put this into context with the lies, the rhetoric and aggression of late and I guarantee nothing good will come of allowing their own “Teams” unmonitored access,
I dont think i am alone in thinking every action Argentine Govt. takes ,there is a hidden agenda behind it, I wouldnt trust them with a house plant let alone a demand they will easily turn against us. not good im afraid.
Give the Argentine Govt the option of Sitdown agreeable discussion with the Botox Bitch in person, over plans for the monitored independant inspection of the dead which would mean having full acknowledgement of The Falklands Govt, if there is no meaningful discussion they will be buried at sea, final decision is The Falklands anyway, will she refuse the wishes of the families of the dead over her own ego? mmmm.....that would be interesting.
@ 23 You'll stay without Malvinas and without Cristina. Did you know that Amado Boudou is thinking the best way to resign as Vice President? Things are not so great after all :)
Mar 08th, 2012 - 06:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I suggest that they are disinterred, examined by a British forensics team, cause of death established, appropriate certificate issued. Re-bagged. Containerised. And shipped, by sea, to argieland on a vessel flying the Falklands flag. And argieland should be told that if they refuse to let the vessel dock or refuse to unload the container, it will be offloaded off the mouth of the River Plate.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 08:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0i hate to say it,28 Conqueror he has a point, as argentina will play on this for ever, deal with it now, save hastle later .
but
@32 I would not blame Boudou for wanting to get away from the crazy woman; she must be hell to work for. (He still needs a decent haircut).
Mar 08th, 2012 - 08:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@33 Thank you. I have to say that the container could be fully sealed and have flotation bags attached. Leaving it to the argies whether to retrieve the container. Everything should be recorded on digital video with UN observers aboard. Record the argie refusal to allow the vessel to dock. Record the argie refusal to unload the container. Record the sealing. Record the attachment of the flotation bags. Record the placing of the container in the sea. Record, on the video, the identities of all the UN observers.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 08:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As long as argies act the way they do, this is the right, the only proper, option. There will be no valid reason for any argie to visit the Islands other than pure tourism.
Think of this. Are there any war cemetaries that house the dead of warring nation that anyone thinks gives a right to the country that the cemetary is located in? British? American? German? Italian? French? Canadian? Australian? New Zealander? Japanese? Just the argies!
lf the dead must be returned, then l also have to agree to your ideas, Conqueror.
Mar 08th, 2012 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0lsn't it a shame when you have safeguard yourself like that?
l wouldn't trust the RGs, one tiny little piece.
lf you didn't document it, then they would try to weasel out of it some way.
Spooky! Not one comment from an RG!
Mar 09th, 2012 - 04:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0Maybe the veterans should send a request to the FIG... oh bugger... they can't do that cos it doesn't exist.....
Mar 09th, 2012 - 07:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0@37
Mar 09th, 2012 - 07:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0What for?
.... to be ridiculed? harassed?
minus well just remain quiet and read your posts and observations.
@37 I think it's because the Argentinians understand how bad taste this is, and would rather not sully their mafiosa-hands in this conversation.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 08:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0They'd rather just spend their time grooming.
Many of the unidentified graves have been adopted by families who have no other marker for their lost relative. They have left photographs, rosaries, letters and small momentos by the headstone. I imagine it would be devastating to lose that special place. The consequences of disinterment and DNA testing should be considered carefully but like other bloggers here I believe this is a political stunt at the expense of the next of kin.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 11:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0#2 brit abroad. Absolutely! Only that perhaps the MoD would want to have a word on it.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 06:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Yours was the only sensible reply here.
TGIF, enjoy the weekend!
Even if the Argie gov have an ulteria agenda in this, doesn’t mean the Brit/Islanders have to buy into it. Nor prejudge any request because we think there is one.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 07:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Unlikely the Argie gov will agree to return of the Fallen to Argentina, they think they are in Argentina.
This not withstanding, I’m sure any reasonable request from the relatives, will be given reasonable consideration by the Islanders.
It is the wishes of the relatives, and not the Argie gov, that should be considered first and foremost in this.
@40
Mar 09th, 2012 - 07:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Actually i believe it is because while they demand the right to treat the islanders as subhuman scum, and whine about being victims due to their inability to subjugate and ethnically cleanse them, they also demand the islanders treat them, and the men sent to carry out said subjugation and likely eventual ethnic cleansing, with utter respect and deference.
This being so mindbogglingly hypocritical even they are aware of it, and thus don't like to talk about it
@42 Not if the FIG have any sense. After 30 years, what will be left? At best, bones and slime. Slime and bones. Remove the lot. Not just the unidentified. Every single grave. Headstones, coffins, bodybags, remains. Have argies responded appropriately to British and Falklands respect for the war dead? They have not. At every turn they seek to make political capital, further their ridiculous claim and capitalise on respect offered by normal people.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 07:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This MUST be cut off. Every instance of argie war remains MUST be returned to argieland. The “respected” dead are being used for political purposes. As the “untrained conscripts” were “used” in '82. Send everything to argieland and cut off the justification for any argie “family” visits to the Islands.
We British and the Islanders are honourable, considerate people. Argies aren't. They must be excluded and no reason left for them to “visit”.
Let the dead rest in peace, it is no longer their fight, and they paid the price.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 08:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Doesn't matter what the Argie Gov does, or doesn't do, that is no reason for us to behave like that.
@44 Hypocrisy is a part of the core value system that is a part of the Argentinian culture. It's so ingrained that even their personal values cannot override this.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 08:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Anyone else tired of this RG “demanding” and “insisting” about things? Who the hell do they think they are? The arrogance is fucking ridiculous.
Mar 09th, 2012 - 09:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@48 The Cestrian
Mar 10th, 2012 - 12:05 am - Link - Report abuse 0“It’s a humanitarian request ” is what he said, not demanding anything.
Let us at least listen to the request before we respond.
Conqueror can always Blast them into radioactive dust later if we don’t like it.
The Argentinians in question are already dead, even Conqueror with Nukes can’t kill them twice.
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