MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire arrives in the Falklands
Mr. Swire will visit the British Cemetery at San Carlos and the Argentine Cemetery at Goose Green to lay wreaths in memory of those who died in the 1982 conflict Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire arrived on Monday afternoon to the Falkland Islands for a visit that will extend from 10-14 February.
During his visit to the British Overseas Territory, Mr Swire is scheduled to meet the Falklands Legislative Assembly, and senior Falkland Islands Government officials to discuss their plans for development of the Falklands’ economy. He will also hold talks with representatives from the private sector.
Mr. Swire will also visit the British Cemetery at San Carlos and the Argentine Cemetery at Goose Green to lay wreaths in memory of those who died in the 1982 conflict.
In a referendum in March 2013 Falkland Islanders voted by 99.8% to remain a UK Overseas Territory.
Speaking prior to his arrival, Mr Swire said that he is looking forward to learning about the Falklands’ economy and the plans for future development.
“The people of the Falkland Islands are British because they have chosen to be so. This was clearly reinforced by the referendum result last year when 99.8% voted in favour of remaining a UK Overseas Territory”, said Mr. Swire on leaving Brize Norton.
He added that “the UK has administered the Falkland Islands peacefully and effectively for 181 years. But our relationship with the Islands today is a modern one based on mutual respect and partnership. These Islands are a democratic, self-governing Overseas Territory and are rightly proud to be economically self-sufficient”
Falklands Governor Nigel Haywood highlighted the event saying that the visit is important for the Islands.
Top Comments
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Read all comments'The world's 16 remaining territories that still do not govern themselves must have complete freedom in deciding their future status,' Ban Ki-Moon 2010
Feb 10th, 2014 - 07:25 pm 0http://www.speroforum.com/a/33140/Remaining-nonselfgoverning-territories-must-have-full-freedom-of-choice-Ban-says#.UdHcad5wz9B
The Secretary-General's comments echo 2x UN ICJ Advisory Opinions that state, 'the right to self-determination is applicable to ALL non-self-governing territories.
Poor Argies - the truth is out there...
Hugo Swire message to the CFK Government..
Feb 10th, 2014 - 07:40 pm 0These are historic times for the Falkland Islands
to remain an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom
his Message to the world,
The Falkland Islands’ people exist.
They have a voice, and must be listened to,
Argentina continues to close its ears to this message,
It is shameful that they should make threats
A nation of some forty million pressuring a community of three thousand in the twenty first century
The Islands are in an excellent state,
And defended by the British,
Need we say any more…
.
.nope.
BREAKING NEWS Cristina Kirchner dispatches Hector Timerman to The UN to complain
Feb 10th, 2014 - 08:06 pm 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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