MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ referendum, ‘credibility plus’ for Islanders say impressed Panamanian political delegation

The multiparty delegation pledged to report to Panama’s foreign ministry on their fact finding visit to the Falklands (Pic PN)

The Falkland Islands referendum of last March gave credibility to the Islanders’ position in their political cause according to a multi party delegation of visiting Panamanian parliamentarians, reports the latest edition of the Penguin News.

At a press conference in Stanley, Diputada (Panamanian MP) Dalia Bernal leading the group, said Panama also believed in democracy and the government consulted with the people before taking action.

She said the Falklands’ referendum was the same thing and, “therefore it should be taken very seriously because it gives sensibility and responsibility,” to the people in the matter.

Following the visit they intend to file a report to the Panamanian Foreign Secretary and President and then, “Panama will adopt a position,” on the Falkland Islands political status.

Lawmaker Bernal said the role of the delegation was not to adopt a position or determine it, “but simply inform of the facts and then the country will make an official position.”

Mrs Bernal also commented that she had been impressed with how the Falkland Islands were run, saying it was, “amazing,” how the government planned for the future.

“The savings approach that the government has with their finances is extraordinary,” she said.

The Panamanian lawmaker was also impressed with the investment in education, “and how the young people are sent out free of charge for university.”

Mrs Bernal felt with the development of the oil industry the resulting professions would be vital as the industry developed.

The visit has been crucial, she said, to the group being able to view the reality of the Islands. It had been recommended to them by the two Falklands’ members of the Legislative Assembly who visited Panama recently that they talk to Islanders with regard to their political status and situation.

Making up the group were Jorge Gantes of Partido Revolucianario Democratico, (Panamas biggest opposition party and clear contenders in the upcoming 2014 elections) the current legal advisor for the Foreign Affairs Commission and National Assembly, Yanibel Arego for Cambio Democratico, the current incumbent government party of President Martinelli and Renaul Dominguez also a member of the opposition party.