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Falklands to hold referendum in 2013 “to eliminate any possible doubts about our wishes”

Tuesday, June 12th 2012 - 20:08 UTC
Full article 78 comments

The Falkland Islands Government announced on Tuesday its intention to hold a referendum next year on the political status of the Falklands to clearly express Islanders views and counter Argentina’s misleading rhetoric including that “we are held hostage by the UK military”. Read full article

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  • Monkeymagic

    How can a population of 180 years possibly have the right to self determination?

    Quite clearly a murderous, mutinous gang who were there for 3 months in 1832 have a much stronger claim.

    Waste of time...

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • slattzzz

    great idea put the rg's in thier place once and for all

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Max

    Just deceitful maneuvers !

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • WestisBest

    What's deceitful about it Max?

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Calaras

    Good idea but ultimately pointless unfortunately. No way the argies will accept the results

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JPhillips

    It's unlikely to change the mind of whatever govt is in power in Argentina at the time, but it will certainly put the lie to some of their more ridiculous assertions. It may well also bring the US off the fence, especially if Argentina aligns itself even closer to Chavez et al.

    Plus, it makes it easier for the UK govt to use the self-determination argument when there's a clear, democratic referendum result on it.

    What should the questions be? Three way referendum:

    1) Status quo - remain a BOT under the 2009 constitution
    2) Independence - as a Commonwealth realm so that loyalty to the Queen doesn't cloud the issue
    3) Union or other free association with Argentina (the most equitable way to phrase it, as it would be improper to have a phrasing that in any way prejudices the vote or makes that choice any less appealing than it already is)

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islas Malvinas

    What a waste of time... We all know what your wishes are...
    Why don´t you save the money for something usefull?

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Max

    & 4

    Only the stupids believe this step.

    These Frigid Islands are merely a military base part of UK in reality.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    We could look at this sensibly and logically. Noting that the first British assertion of sovereignty was in 1765. That Spain tried to overturn that in 1770, failed and had to make restitution. That, even when temporarily evacuating, the British never relinquished sovereignty. That the then United Provinces tried several times to establish a claim. And failed. That, in 1850, argieland signed and ratified a treaty with Britain ending all disputes. That, in 1866, the argie vice-president noted that there was only one dispute outstanding with the United Kingdom, a matter of compensation owed by argieland to a number of English citizens. That the argies did not make any claims to sovereignty between 1850 and 1884. After a diplomatic protest in 1888, argieland does not mention the Islands again until 1941. Britain makes 3 offers to take the dispute to the ICJ three times, in 1947, 1948 and 1955. Argieland declines each time. In 1982, argies invade the Falkland Islands and cause the Falklands War. Britain wins. Argies surrender.

    Or you could take the argie position. Argieland “inherited” all Spanish territories. A claim that has never been supported in any international law. That Britain forcibly expelled and argie population in 1833. Although the argies had no legal right to be there and only 4 people, other than the military garrison, left. That the 1850 treaty doesn't refer to the Falkland Islands. That argieland has been protesting ever since 1833. But see above. That the Islands are within argieland's territorial waters or on its continental shelf. Neither of which is relevant.

    Now, which shall we choose?

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Audi Consilium

    3 Max (#) Just deceitful maneuvers !

    Hey Max, the Falkland Islanders have watched and listened to the best “deceitful maneuvers” purveyor in the business, CFK, and learned well !!!!

    'What's sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander' LOL

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    ISLANDERS

    Whereas I fully understand why you are having the referendum,
    Does CFK fully understand?
    Although vastly different, remember Ireland, you can vote for whatever you wish, but if its against our wishes, then we will not exept the result, and you will just have to vote again, and keep on voting, until you come up with the correct result, [i.e. the result they wanted]

    Back to you guys,
    We would suggest,
    That in advance, to find out if the following will be accepted
    1, the UN formally accepts the results, and will remove you from the C24
    [If you vote to remain British]
    2, the EU also formally accepts the results,
    And fully backs Britain, /and your rights to remain British
    3, and both urges CFK and her government to respect your decision
    And leave you in peace, and the referendum settles all claims by Argentina,
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    Otherwise the vote is irrelevant if those mentioned do not respect and fully except the outcome.
    As for Argentina, we believe she will refuse to accept the result, unless you vote for Argentinean status.
    Therefore the islanders should press this point; at the meeting that CFK is going to attend,
    And ask that will they accept the decision of the islanders, at the referendum,
    And thus isolating CFK at the meeting, or embarrassing her,
    Just an opinon.

    ,
    .

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    @7

    Here's why it's not a waste of time. Because it is going to force Argentina to state before the world that it accords zero importance to the wishes of the population of the islands. That will look good before the Decolonization Committee. And with a bit of luck that will open the door to a serious public examination of the legal and historical basis of the Argentine claim.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Max

    The British Governments must be held accountable..

    The British Governments should not be allowed act above the law...

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 08:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Beef

    Max - If they were a military base then why did you invade thirty years ago?

    If you think we are breaking the law then take us to court.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Ahab

    This referendum is for the rest of the world to see, not Argentina's government.

    We all know CFK and her cronies will not accept any result favouring independence or continued association with the UK. They will tell the same lies, saying of course the population will vote for the UK as they were implanted or under duress by the military or threatened by the Easter Bunny or whatever, regardless of how many independent observers oversee the vote, travel around conversing with the Falklands populous and see whatever the result, the vote reflects the honest, free and un-coerced wishes of the islanders.

    It is, however, a very effective tool aimed to counter the ongoing lies being spouted by the Argentine government every time they are in shouting range of another countries people.

    Argentina's government want to force their false rhetoric on the world at large, I don't see how they can complain when the Falklands people simply want the put the record straight with some actual facts and personal opinions about how they want to live their lives.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    The Argentine Government must be held accountable..

    The argentine Government should not be allowed act above the law...

    So says all
    .

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    Oh dear. They've declared the referendum illegal.

    http://www.infonews.com/2012/06/12/politica-25343-malvinas-el-referendum-es-ilegal.php

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    its in argentine,
    no lingo

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Beef

    Hans - buying dollars in Argentina is illegal and breathing will probably be outlawed soon due to the amount of CO2 it generates. The Argies are like bad wind.

    They smell, they are rather amusing and they go away.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Frank

    Hot off the BA Herald press...'Before flying to the US to attend a meeting of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has summoned the entire Kirchnerite spectrum to attend a massive rally that will include a “very important announcement.”'

    like....' I'm out of here..thanks for all the fish er dosh....'

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    We’ll meet again
    Don’t know where don’t know when,
    But please don’t come looking,
    Because you wont find me .
    .

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Max,
    Could you come out with a detailed explanation to back your statement that the Islands are just a British Military Base?
    Please list what this “base” had prior to April 1982?

    The - 30yrs after it was invaded in 1982 and is still claimed and threatened economically, and by aggresive naval harrasment of unarmed ships making innocent passage in accepted international waters , periodic flights towards our limits by Arg Air force aircraft,
    please list what is here as a military base today - a mere 300 miles from- and list the ships and aircraft that Argentina has.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • WestisBest

    @8

    Max, as I live in the Falklands I understand the place infinitely better than bottomfeeders like you.

    It's clear to anybody whos the 'stupid' on here.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Malvinero1

    Falklands to hold referendum in 2013 “to eliminate any possible doubts about our wishes”
    AHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH
    And my wish is that you vanish,gavin!
    You tooo SHORT!!

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Max

    & 22

    Don't you know it ?

    British Royal Air Force Base / Mount Pleasent established in 1985.

    It is complete with 4 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets...transport aircrafts...helicopters..silos for large weapons storage...2 runways capable of accomodating heavy aircrafts....attack submarine HMS Sceptre......Currently more than 2500 Army,Navy,and RAF servicemen and personals....

    Who believe your referandum ....!

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 09:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • honoria

    Am amused to hear that the referendum must be preceded by two campaigns: one in support of the British position and one in support of the Argentine position. The latter is too ridiculous for words. And probably will be. I presume the Argentine government are going to be invited to submit some sort of presentation but given current rhetoric and posturing what on earth would they say to us? It wouldn't surprise me if they declined to say anything at all.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • THOR94

    Argentina is the hostage taker. If they hadnt and do not apply pressure on the Islands, then the necessity of a link and dependence on the UK, for military and a degree of diplomatic power, then the Falkland Islands would be much more likely to choose a breakaway from the UK. But because of Argentinians actions, and an obvious desire to retain the cultural and governmental links, the Islanders are in a corner, that wil likely never come out of. Thats stay with the UK. And after what ARG has done, even if they leave the UK, they wont go to ARG.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The Cestrian

    Its a superb move by the Islanders. now it will be verified internationally that they want absolutely fuckall to do with Argentina. It'll be something like 95% in favour of sticking two fingers up at Rg land.

    Everyone will just walk away and laugh at the RG's after the vote.

    not only that but it will kill stone dead the Rg propaganda that the islanders are RG's living under the thumb of the UK armed forces.

    hopefully the international observers will be from the UN - even better if they are from the defunct decolonisation committee.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JPhillips

    @26 As they've apparently declared the referendum illegal you're probably right that they won't participate. I'm sure that islanders' sense of fair play will see the allocated airtime slots filled with a blank screen and a simple message along the lines of “This space was reserved for communications in support of option 3 in the upcoming referendum. No communications have been received from any parties connected with that option”.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • JohnCFI

    That lot will not come, they already declined the invite!!

    @ 24 Malvinero1
    How would you like Mr Short to dissapear? like the old days from the back of a helicopter!

    @ 25 Max
    If you think that is a big military base you need to get out some more!!

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Beef

    Farking hell Max have we now invented a submarine that goes on land and can park at Mount Pleasant? Bloodly hell we are good.

    P.S how did you know about a sub considering we never comment on submarine opps ?

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    This is a very simple but highly effective move and that is why the argies on here are fearful of it and you can sense it in the panic in their statements.
    This will get worldwide press with independent observers. It is just about the most democratic right known worldwide and will connect with all reasonable and decent democratic people. Cristina will find her job considerably more difficult after this. It will hopefully be the last nail in her coffin as by then her government and country will be in economic chaos.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • toooldtodieyoung

    5 Calaras

    It doesn't matter if they do or not, the rest of the world will and then there will be less “Good natured” interferring from the UN and NOBEL peace prize winners. Should the Argentines ignore the referendum, then they will show the world ( again ) what a bunch of untrustworthy, child molesting wife swappers they really are.

    I think you would call that a win-win situation, unless you are KFC et al.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • M_of_FI

    @ Max (8)...

    I am sitting here in my house in Stanley loving your comment. It is wonderful to see what we Islanders are up against, because if you represent the average person in Argentina, we are laughing.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • hipolyte

    I wish to be english on argentinean soil taken by force....

    sounds like I wish the moon to be american.... because I won the russians to be the first “landing” there. just crazy....

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • BritishguyfromLondon

    @25 Max, HMS Sceptre was decommissioned over two years ago. Also, the number of British military personnel at Mt. Pleasant is closer to 1,600. There are fewer than ten British Aircraft at the base, with only 4 of them, the Typhoons, capable of fighting. The others are three transport craft and a search and rescue helicopter. There are no tanks, or indeed armoured vehicles of any kind. The naval assets of the British presence are 1 Offshore patrol vessel, 1 Destroyer with a small possibilty of there being a fleet submarine in the vicinity. Compared to Argentine assets in the region, this is barely anything. It is a testament to the poor state of Argentina's large armed forces that this is enough. Only just enough though. You really need to get your facts straight. The primary reason for the base being there is to make it easier to bring in reinforcements in the face of a military attack by Argentina.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    @35 hypolite (hypocrite more like)

    Do you know how many indigenous lives were murdered for you to stand on your Argentine soil. Talk about living in a glass house - unbelievable!

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    This is a good move and if independent observers are used (non UK) it will bury the myth that the Islanders are somehow UK hostages. The Argentines will completely ignore the referendum, but the rest of the world can be told the truth and see the Argentine lies for what they are.

    I really hope that even if KFC is too much of a coward to listen to the Falkland Islanders presentation at C24, what they say will be embarrasing to KFC whether she is there or not. If she isn't the islanders should point out how rude she is not to hear their case, to the C24 (even if they are for Argentina). I hope now the Falkland islanders will take the political fight to Argentina and the world exposing the Argentinians for the fraudsters they are.
    I now believe the Argentines are running scared of the Islanders, now AT LONG LAST they are speaking to the world.It is also a shrewd move by the UK government to encourage the Islanders to take more responsibility for their foreign policy.

    Hopefully soon, only defence will be left in UK's hands.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 10:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Max- is your middle name Marcos- your brain is similar certainly!

    OK PRIOR to Mount Pleasant opening in 1985 we had based here in temporary facilities:

    6 Phantom Jets - replaced by Tornados and these also now outdated and replaced by Typhoons.
    A flight of Army Air Corps light attack helicopters.
    A flight of heavy lift Chinook Helicopters.

    At least 4 Naval frigates and destroyers on permanent patrol.

    Some 1000 army soldiers (“bayonet strength” is the term used for actual fighting soldiers) spread over some 6 bases around the Islands.

    TODAY 2012 we have:

    4 Typhoon fighters - nothing special - just that they have naturally replaced to older outdated aircraft types - same as when you buy a new computer - you I assume buy yourself a better model?

    ONE small patrol vessel armed with a 30mm cannon. The occasional prescence of a frigate or destroyer for a few weeks - NONE present since early March 2012!!!
    NO Submarine is or ever has been based here!! One visited about 10 years ago and the nearest it could get to the dock was about half a mile off!! Others may have been around offshore at times fro a week or two - nobody knows! But that happens all over the world where UK has people and interests to protect - nothing special about down here!
    Army - about 150 or so fighting soldiers only in the garrison.
    NO Military helcopters at all other than the one bright yellow AirSea Humanitarian rescue one!!

    Yep - we sure are a militarized Islands!!!!!

    Plonker

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 11:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ElaineB

    As has been said above, this referendum is for world consumption, not for Argentina.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 11:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    @40 That's what they are scared of, they can't control the rhetoric for that one.

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 11:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • WestisBest

    @24

    “And my wish is that you vanish,gavin!
    You tooo SHORT!!”

    I'm speechless, with comic genius like that you shouls be on the stage Marcos.

    ...or Malvin or whatever your name is.

    Maybe as all the malvinista commentators continually spout identical drivel we should have a generic name for them. Chickenshit would perhaps be appropriate, Surrendermonkey maybe? suggestions anyone?

    Jun 12th, 2012 - 11:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • José Malvinero

    HA HA, what nonsense!, And they want someone to believe in the theater that they will do in 2013? Let's see: 3000 persons, 1500 (or 1200?) Born in the islands. 2000 Britons born in Britain to do business in the Malvinas. These latter may be Argentines vote for?What nonsense! Pirates invent something smarter.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 12:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Max- sorry I forgot - add please:
    One 50yr old air refuelling tanker- wow !
    One Piston engine c130 Hercules - primary use as long range emergency rescue “top -cover” and emergency “aero-medical evacuation aircraft.

    Oh and the 2nd Runway you say? - actually it is a cross strip -just long enough for a fighter jet to land on - too short even for the Lan A 320 Airbus to use safely - let alone a long range troop transporter!!

    TOTAL uniformed military personnel approx 1200 - of which ”fighting/combat” personel are probabaly about 200-250 in total!!

    So still a Plonker you remain!

    43- the electoral role will be used as it is in any country for a Democratic vote -(but unlike Arg the dead will not have their votes also recorded!) there are actually even a few Arg passport holders who are on it - as they also hold Falklands Status.
    All those over age 18 and who meet the other qualifying rules.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 01:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Filippo

    We do not care what the islanders think, they don't belong on our islands. They have been illegal occupation of Malvinas which was Argentine before even our country exist by grace of God Papal Bull 1496!

    The world is on our side, C24 committee is in hands of Syria and our Latin American cousins, they all despise English pirates! They hate you for what you Empire done to Latin America! While the English fight with the Scotch who want their independence, all of Latin America untie to kick England out of our Malvinas. It is funny to watch that C24 will deliver UN resolution against England on day you celebrate you victory, we will celebrate your defeet!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 02:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brit abroad

    @ 45 You really are an idiot
    The world is on our side - Wrong, no back-up of facts. please tell us which countries????

    C24 committee is in hands of Syria and our Latin American cousins - Syria ????? you friggin serious after what they are doing to their own people!!! Lation American (Corrupt) Cousins. You mean a bunch of europeans who stole from an indigineous population - correct me if i am wrong you dunce!
    They all despise English pirates - French Guiana?????

    They hate you for what you Empire done to Latin America! - What did the British Empire do that was worse than throwing nuns out of aircraft??? Please show examples.

    While the English fight with the Scotch who want their independence - How many Scots want independance???? You dont know your facts....AGAIN!

    All of Latin (I.E from Europe) America untie to kick England out of our Falklands - How do you define “all” of South America again? I believe you believe Falklands to be part of it....right? In which case your comments false!

    It is funny to watch that C24 will deliver UN resolution against England on day you celebrate you victory, we will celebrate your defeet! - You want to make a bet??? id give you great odds (thats if you can count)! Ohh do you mean Britain or England????? Oh you dont know anything!! Oh your an idiot!! Do you reside in a special needs clinic???

    “History is written by the Victors”

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 04:17 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Beef

    @43 - ye ha the pirates comment has arrived. Ahhh me hearties, de Spanish colonials are ney happy with me shangri-la wenches having a little vote. Shiver me timbers.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 06:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brit abroad

    LATIN (i.e Europeans) America. Bunch of europeans who stole from an indigineous population - correct me if i am wrong!!!!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 06:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Xect

    I thought post 45 was pure comic genius.

    He mentions the world is on their side, yet there is zero evidence of this other than a few corrupt SA countries who have zero power to change anything and accept that but say the words Argentina the bully wants to hear. It's just a shame from Argentina, its up against the vastly more powerful British. If it was up against weak SA countries it would of surely had its way and stolen the country by now.

    And then he mentions Syria which is in dire trouble for slaughtering thousands of its own people and is getting close to going under UN attack to stop the mass murder of its own citizens.

    Now if that is the representative of the C24, do you really expect anyone on earth outside of Argentina will take a single word of what they have to say seriously? The C24 is made up predominately of western hating countries with terrible human rights records.

    Brilliant, you couldn't make it up.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 06:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brit abroad

    I like the “by grace of God Papal Bull 1496” by Filippo!

    Grace of God my arse!!! bunch of child interferring, mafia syupporting, self glorifying twats! As if they means anything. BTW I would say the same to the present Pope's face if i was unfortunate to meet him.

    As if a soppy git in a white frock 600 hundred years ago has any weight today!

    Sorry for those who are God Fearing Honest hard working people, but i am absolutely a non believer of any faith, in particular ones where they harbour child molestors and dont even have Interpol chasing them down.....its a bloody con!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 07:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • BritishguyfromLondon

    @45 'by the grace of god' huh? Wow, he has so few arguments that he's actually turning to the supernatural in order to back up his statements. How low the Argentines have sunk...

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brit abroad

    i actually like the idea of being called a pirate! if i could be a pirate today, i would do the full stereotype thing! Parrot, Long beard, a hook as a hand! I think i'd call my ship “the shaven nymph”, and design my own Jolly Roger with a motif depciting a crow pecking out the eyes of a Malvinist!

    Not sure what id do on my first trip.....i like the idea of going down to RGland but they dont have anything worth plundering, unless you save in Peso's (hahahahahaha), or like wenches who need to comb their foreheads!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    @45 by grace of God Papal Bull 1496!

    This most comical of argiements deserves a much wider audience. Not just because in support of “decolonization” it invokes a dirty deal between the Pope, the Spanish and the Portuguese to plunder South America, but because it would have given the Falklands to the Portuguese, had anybody known they existed.

    Please, please, please get CFK to come out with this one at the C24.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:28 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Boovis

    Papal Bulls:

    Catholic Doctrine also says that you can't give away anything that doesn't belong to you.
    The pope who enacted the bulls was a corrupt mf who had fingers in so many pies i'm surprised he had a free hand to sign anything.
    According to the bulls, Spain should also own alaska, california, oregon...are you going to enact that as well?
    I know you people hate the indigenous populations of your stolen lands, but if you ask a few you might find that the phrase Papal Bulls” might actually be better treated as an abbreviation for soemthing.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • BritishLion

    Papal Bull 1446 ha ha ha. That should really convince all of us that we should have never settled on the Falkland Islands, thats it...we have ignored the ranting of a crazy Pope half a millenium ago who dished out lands as a gift of God to the loyal faithful. Better ask the current Pope to check his property ledger as we could be squatters! My arse! With crap like this, there is no fear of anyone getting it wrong in any referendum.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Max- your silence tells it all!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 10:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Jay

    Stop British taxpayers’ money supporting World Bank loans to Argentina:

    http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/34551

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 10:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brit Bob

    @45

    If you had a dispute with a neighbour over a piece of land and then signed an agreement stating that 'perfect harmony had been restored' then you can't just ignore this agreement. In 1850 Argentina and Great Britain signed the 'Convention of Settlement' treaty acknowledging that neither country had any outstanding differences. You see - the Falkland Islands legally belong to Great Britain.

    And the C24 Commitee, well - in the hands of Syria. Can we add Syria, to the list of Argentina's friends?
    You might also want to do a bit of research and see if any of those territories in the C24 actually want to become independent states. If not it's rather like being divorced when you want to stay married. Really bonkers.

    While you are doing your research, google the '1882 Latzina Map'

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 11:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • deutscher

    Can Chilean and the few argentine people who live in Malvinas vote in this referendum? jaja.
    Of course there is no doubt about the wishes of islanders, they are full british citizens since 1983.
    Why do'nt they recognize that before the war, they were just forgotten poor and discriminated farmers? What are they going to celebrate tomorrow? Liberation day or sth. else?

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 12:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Boovis

    59: whatever they thought before 1982 we know one thing for sure: being ignored by the UK was ten thousand times better than being raped by Argentina.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 12:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    The referendum is a good idea but will change nothing.

    The Falklands (there are STILL no Malvinas) will remain with the Falklanders and the Argies will still claim the islands as theirs.

    WE ALL know this dont' we?

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 12:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Benson

    @ 45 Fillipo
    “which was Argentine before even our country exist by grace of God Papal Bull 1496! ”
    This may be true but the tooth fairy said I was king of the America's and I hearby grant the Falkland Islands the right to determine their own future (and argentina has to give it's land back to the few remaining natives)

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 12:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • deutscher

    @60, There are around 300.000 english people living in Argentina. Ask them what do they think about Malvinas. You are only 3000.!!
    You became full BRITISH in 1983, You do not need a referendum. Do not waste your money.
    Fisheries and oil interests (MONEY) is the main interest to support these islands 12000 km away from home. 150 million dollars a year for MPA.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 02:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Tobers

    @63

    The referendum is NOT for the Falkland Islands or the UK to assess whether the FI want to be British or not.

    Its to demonstrate to the world their right to self determination. And their wish to be left in peace to choose their own path. Its democracy in action. If you don't like it then that's too bad.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 03:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • mollymauk

    @63 “the main interest to support these islands 12000 km away from home.”
    You miss the point here. For Falkland Islanders this is not 12,000km away from home, it IS home.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 04:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • cLOHO

    Clippo 45 ... What right did the effin pope in Spain have to anex half the southern hemisphere, answer None! Spanish colonialists been at it for years. So Spanish claim and rg claim is ok, but not anyone else...mmmm seems a bit of a weak argument, along with the fact Argentina never officially settled in the islands, they asked the British for permission to set up a settlement. Why would you ask another country for permission if you were on your own territory..explain please trolls

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 05:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    @65Mollymauk
    Finally! someone who has explained it right, “it is home.”

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 05:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Simon68

    63 deutscher (#)
    Jun 13th, 2012 - 02:17 pm

    All Falkland Islanders of voting age and complying with the legal requisites to cast their vote will vote, whether they have Chilean, Argentine, German, Polish or any other ethnicity.

    Pretty simple, its called DEMOCRACY!

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 05:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    One referendum that would be interesting to see, but no hope it will ever take place, is one where Argentinians are allowed to say they want the Falklands (there are STILL no Malvinas) taken from the Government policy and the constitution ammended.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 05:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • UKOwnsArgentina

    Please support this new page aimed at covering Falklands current affairs and keeping the Falklands free of Argentine rule! Please sign in and click the “like” button on the page to subscribe to our news feeds -

    https://www.facebook.com/Britain1592

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 07:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    @59 It is perfectly true to say the UK treated the Falkland Islanders badly by refusing to listen to them before 1982. But the UK unlike Argentina accepts that it has made mistakes in the past and usually rectifies them. Now the UK gives the proper response to the Falkland Islanders as appropriate to the UN principles of self-determination.
    Argentina continues to live in the past with a similar ideology to the one Peron bought back from his fascist buddies Adolf and Benito.
    And because they are rooted in the past, that is why Argentina moves with most of its gears in reverse.

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 08:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    COMMONS TOLD ROYAL NAVY WILL CHALLENGE SPANISH INCURSIONS

    http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=25136
    Just like the egg timer,
    Time eventually runs out .
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    CAMERON AND HAGUE DEFEND SELF-DETERMINATION AS FALKLANDERS SET TO HOLD REFERENDUM
    Britain will respect and defend their choice.
    http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=25136

    .

    Jun 13th, 2012 - 11:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Malvinero1

    CAMERON AND HAGUE DEFEND SELF-DETERMINATION AS FALKLANDERS SET TO HOLD REFERENDUM
    Who cares about those 2 crooks!

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 02:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • brit abroad

    @73 - Quite a few people actually, otherwise they wouldnt get in the news papers!

    Out of all the Malvinist Great TITS (new species - Magnum Simian Tittium), you must be the alpha male!

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 02:56 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Tim

    17 HansNiesund (#) Interesting your link; the fellow recognises that the FIG exists!! as for passports, just do the same as in Bermuda and issue Falkland Island passports.

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 04:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • St.John

    @ 9 Conqueror

    You missed something equally or more important.

    The Argentine president Domingo Sarmiento’s Message to the Argentine Congress on 1 May 1869:

    “El estado de nuestras relaciones exteriores responde á las aspiraciones del país. Nada nos reclaman las otras Naciónes: nada tenemos que pedir de ellas, sino es la continuación de las manifestaciones de simpatía con que de parte de pueblos y gobiernos ha sido favorecida la República por sus progresos y espíritu de justicia.” (Heraclio Mabragaña 1910, vol. III, p. 286 which can be found in Biblioteca Nacional de la República Argentina, Agüero 2502, Recoleta, Buenos Aires)

    “The state of our foreign relations fulfils the aspirations of the country. Nothing is claimed from us by other nations; we have nothing to ask of them except that they will persevere in manifesting their sympathies, with which both Governments and peoples have honoured the Republic, both for its progress and its spirit of fairness.” (printed in: British and Foreign State Papers 1870-1871 (printed London 1877), p. 1227-1228).

    Argentina's president declared that the country had no claim on other nations. End of debate for any intelligent person.

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 05:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DJ56

    #76

    Unfortunately, like all argies, he was lying .....

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 12:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • St.John

    @ 77

    Mitre was telling the truth.

    The fake “dispute” only surfaces when Argentina is in deep trouble. Then it's used to raise nationalism.

    I lived in Argentina for almost four years and the majority of the Argentinos couldn't care less is the Falkland Islands were French, Swedish, British, Chinese or Argentine. Their main concern is to make the end meet at the end of the month in spite of the 24% inflation.

    Jun 14th, 2012 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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