MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands’ referendum results are the clearest possible; time for the world to respect Islanders decision

“Argentina should take careful note of this result” said PM Cameron who on Tuesday morning contacted Falklands’ lawmakers

UK Primer Minister David Cameron called on Argentina to respect the wishes of Falkland Islanders, who have overwhelmingly voted to stay as a British Overseas Territory and invited other countries across the world that are guided by self-determination to also respect and revere the very clear results.

After two days of voting the Falklands population decided by 98.8% in favour of retaining their status as a United Kingdom overseas territory. Turnout from the electorate of 1,649, some of whom had queued in wind and rain Sunday and Monday to cast their ballots in Stanley and with mobile booths was 92%.

On Tuesday morning PM Cameron phoned the Falklands and spoke with several members of the Islands elected Legislative Assembly to congratulate them on the vote and reiterate total British support for the decision.

The Prime Minister said this was “the clearest possible results there could be” and that he would always be there to defend the islands.

Speaking at 10 Downing Street just hours after the result of the referendum was announced Cameron said it sent a clear message to Argentina.

“They should take careful note of this result” said PM Cameron. “The Falkland Islanders couldn't have spoken more clearly. They want to remain British and that view should be respected by everybody, including by Argentina.”

Cameron insisted that the Islanders were entitled to the right to self-determination. “It is the clearest possible result there could be,” he said.

“The Islands may be thousands of miles away but they are British through and through and that is how they want to stay. People should know we will always be there to defend them”.

”We believe in self-determination. The Islanders have spoken so clearly about their future and now other countries right across the world, I hope, will respect and revere this very, very clear result”, concluded PM Cameron.