MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islanders right to self determination reaffirmed by Minister Swire
Foreign Office minister for Latin America Hugo Swire MP, who recently visited the Falklands, sent a letter to Falkland Islanders thanking the warm reception and congratulating them on their strong sense of identity and community. The letter was published in this Friday's edition of the Penguin News. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesThank you Minister. It was good to speak with you during your visit. We are truly very proud to be British.
Mar 14th, 2014 - 10:17 am - Link - Report abuse 01 Joe Bloggs
Mar 14th, 2014 - 01:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You know what Joe? I bet that letter has just made him the most hated man in argentina. Still, no matter, he is only telling you what here in the UK knew already.
Those idiots in argentina obviously haven't read the script and still think that their opinion counts for something in this matter. Everyone else that matters already knows that you are a “people” and of course you have the right to self determination.
TMBOA and her cronies are just slow learners, that's all.
Hugo Swire, you are such a hypocrite. I actually believe in the right of the Falklanders to self-determination but you have no shame in continuing to deny the same right to the Chagos Islanders, whom you expelled from their lands to make way for a US air base. But, being an upper class Englander, no doubt the 'kith and kin' argument does not apply to them. It's pathetic and no wonder that the Argies see us as duplicitous, which we are.
Mar 14th, 2014 - 04:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@ 3 Pytangua
Mar 14th, 2014 - 04:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Another idiot who has never bothered to learn the facts of this era of history.
The Chagosans NEVER owned a blade of grass or a grain of sand, they were just imported labour.
The UK Government (even though under no obligation) actually paid for them to join another community, TGW money for them all, that the headman of the new village pocketed for himself.
Go and see him you twat.
@3 ChrisR has given you the first intimation of the correct answer to your immature ranting. To start with there have NEVER been any Chagossians or Chagos Islanders. There's the start of the scam. The “original” population were slaves imported by the French solely to work the plantations. With the abolition of slavery, the islands became the property of a Mauritian company and the population became “contract workers”. As Chris says, not one single individual owned so much as blade of grass or grain of sand. If you sell a building, the occupants remain your responsibility unless you agree otherwise with the buyer. There was no such agreement. No-one had British nationality. The Mauritian government were given money to resettle them. The money was pocketed. Your typical British “lawyers” got involved as they could see a cash cow. And how they milked it. It must be remembered that, even if government lawyers “win”, there is nothing in it. The “plaintiffs” are unlikely to have enough money to even pay the government's costs, let alone penalties. And thus the matter was resolved. After a number of payouts, it was finally decided to end the matter by making it impossible to bring any further legal actions. But there is nothing to stop you selling off all your possessions and giving the money to these people, if you feel that way about it. Remember that the government has NO money. All the money it spends comes from the taxpayer. You don't think you've paid enough? Fine. Sell up and pay some more. Just remember that there won't be any “benefits”. I'm not paying for your “generosity”.
Mar 14th, 2014 - 04:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@3
Mar 14th, 2014 - 07:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0now go and learn some history,.
@3 - to rub salt in. Th British government have no legal obligations to return the contract workers to the Islands, however, being the good folk we are, the government are identifying he practicality of setting up a long term settlement in the Islands for those who were resettled (again at the expense, and rightly so if the UK).
Mar 15th, 2014 - 01:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0This will include a local economy, water, sewage and transport system. The UK Government will assess whether if returned the community could be self sustaining.
All in all a very mature and considered response from he UK to people who the UK openly admits have been treated unfairly in the past.
If only Argentina cared as much as the UK about the type of world we live in.
Also confirmed by the Russian Foreign Minister in London yesterday.
Mar 15th, 2014 - 06:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh! my....look at his corduroy pants, jacket and hat...so cheap!
Mar 15th, 2014 - 09:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Old man river......is singing again the same...
....some day...the islanders will have a nice first class hotel....
some day...the islanders will be able to buy a ct-scanner....
some day...the islanders will know what is to ride a train,
an airplane, a building elevator to the 55th floor....
some day.....Hey, time is going by ....and still the islands look very poor,
look at their house roofs all painted in different colors.
Yuck!
Yes when those things happen, the Islanders still won't be part of Argentina.
Mar 16th, 2014 - 07:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0The 2012 census revealed a population of 2,931 on the Falkland Islands. The MoD revealed a month ago that the number of military personnel stationed there is now 1,050. That is a ratio of 2.79 civilians for every one military personnel. This an extremely large commitment at a time of poverty in the United Kingdom. Why should we subsidise these people to that great extent? If the argument is 'kith and kin', then how about the kith and kin in deprived areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Islands?
Mar 16th, 2014 - 10:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh no! Not the 'ct-scanner' argument again!
Mar 16th, 2014 - 11:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0What possible use would the Islanders have of a train. Or a landscape disfiguring 55 storey building?
Looks like Sussie has gone off the Reservation again. ..
ps: Courdroy is a word derived from the French 'cloth of kings' (roi). So not so 'cheap' then!
9 sussie@usa
Mar 16th, 2014 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And some day Argentineans will know what it is to live in a normal country. One day they will know what it is to live in a country without cronyism, graft and endemic political corruption. One day Argentineans’ will know what it is to live without the appalling villa miseries slums. One day Argentineans will know what it is to live without endemic inflation, to have a proper currency and to go more than 10 years without an economic collapse.
One day they will know what it is to have a proper education system. One day they will know what it is to have a mature parliamentary democracy with competent political leaders. One day they will live without shockingly high crime levels and an endemic drug problem. One day the power and influence of the Argentine Catholic Church, with its religious bigotry and medieval superstitions, will be broken. One day, one day.
@ 13
Mar 16th, 2014 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If the USA Congress invited Pope Francis (a non politician) to speak in Congress means there is nothing wrong with the Argentine Catholic Church, so please pay attention!
@9 And some day the new deep water port (at Port Smyley????) will take lots of shipping business from Southern Argentina.
Mar 16th, 2014 - 06:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And remember, the FIDF bought Steyr Rifles before the Argentines did.
“some day...the islanders will know what is to ride a train,”
What use is a train network when you fly everywhere in aircraft?
“a building elevator to the 55th floor.”
You seem to think a high rise block is a good idea in the Falklands-why?
The Islanders have high rise elevators supplied by UK Armed Forces-ever heard of the Eurofighter Typhoon?
@14 highly-suspect
Mar 16th, 2014 - 06:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You regularly denigrate the USA in your posts.
1. Now you say that the US Congress is the arbiter of all that is good and right in the world.
2. That an invitation to the Pope (INTERNATIONAL leader of the world's Catholics), conveys blessings on the ARGENTINE Catholic Church.
What on earth are you talking about. You are completely inconsistent. And probably incontinent to boot, at least verbally!
This is like shooting fish in a barrel. Think you should pay a little more attention yourself.
@15 Pete Bog
An excellent post. I couldn't have put it any better!!!!!
It’s a highly debateable point whether the Pope, as head of the Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican City state can be viewed as non-political. The Pope, in theory rises above his national roots and is a citizen of the Vatican. He stops being Argentinean on being elected Pope.
Mar 16th, 2014 - 06:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I rather think the facts speak for themselves. That the Catholic Church in Argentina posseses power and influence is self evidently true. It’s influence on the issue of legalising abortion, for example, is a matter of public record. Protests took place in Buenos Aires in 2010 regarding this influence, as well as on other occasions.
That the current Pope has been invited to address both houses of the American Congress is essentially irrelevant to the ongoing debate within Argentina of the Catholic Churches power within Argentine society. It hardly disproves the above points.
The Argentine catholic Church, like the Catholic Church in general is a rich and powerful institution which is peddling a load of superstitious nonsense. Terrifying people with stories of hell and eternal damnation.
It's incredible that people still believe in such stuff.
I find it shocking that abortion is still illegal in almost every country in Latin America.
Mar 16th, 2014 - 09:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Most of the blame for this lies squarely with the Catholic Church.
Religion: Messing up people's lives since Year Zero
@16
Mar 16th, 2014 - 09:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0'denigrate' the USA...?
really?...
we all are exchanging views about the economy from different countries...You don't like my comments, then YOU have the choice to ignore it.
I repeat, I am not responsible for the social and economic problems found in the usa.
How about the USA News such as Face the Nation, Meet the Press, telling the facts about the barely adequate usa president Obama known as Mom Jeans, Food Stamps, Dictator, ObamaCareLess, etc.etc.
The daily struggles the usa citizens are suffering is posted daily in all newspapers.
Argentine journalist Gabriela Esquivada residing in the usa provides the facts about the sluggish usa economy. Her articles are published in the Buenos Aires Herald.
The Buenos Aires Herald responded Roger Cohen comments about one month ago saying his comment titled ”don't cry argentina' is bull shit.
Reference to abortion, proper sex education is still need it including in the USA where teenage pregnacy is a big social problem in the year 2014!
@ 19 sussie@usa
Mar 16th, 2014 - 10:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The jacket that Minister Swire is wearing costs US$ 913 and is the most popular jacket of its type in the UK.
I bet that’s more than you have “earned” in your life you stupid argie hermaphrodite.
@20
Mar 17th, 2014 - 04:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0'US$913'...
really?....
The internet most expensive USA made Corde Du Roi jacket sells for US$237.00.
As you know the english adopted the french translation 'cloth of king' to show an air of FRENCH Prestige....oh! la la...!
The jacket isn't Courdroy. It's a classic waxed jacket.
Mar 17th, 2014 - 07:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I was referring to the trousers.
Really, you are tiresome for words.
You are blind as well as stupid.
A very interesting picture,
Mar 17th, 2014 - 08:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0except the penguin called sussie@usa is facing the other way,
still,
they have to learn ...
@ Mr Think ilsen Isolde yensere_ly Skare
Mar 17th, 2014 - 08:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0'blind as well as stupid' ....
___is @20 ChrisR showing off saying the jacket worth US$913
___See how worn out Minister Swire clothes looks?
___He is saying, this is the only clothes I can afford,,,,,
___my testicles are FROZEN!
: D
21 sussie@usa
Mar 17th, 2014 - 09:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The Minister is very clearly wearing a “Barbour” jacket, a long established English country wear company. They’re waxed, to keep out the wet and rain. The especially big pockets are to hold shotgun cartridges. It’s a classic English look. Very “Gloucestershire”.
Country clothes are supposed to be old. I've had my favourite hand knitted Irish woolen sweater for over twenty years. I wouldn't be seen dead in anything else. It's considered vulgar and graceless to wear new clothes in the country.
Even the grandest of Aristocrats wear decades old Harris Tweed jackets with leather patches on the elbows.
New clothes are for those December parties in Chelsea.
It really is utterly pointless trying to educate sussie, but full marks for attempting the impossible Rupert!
Mar 17th, 2014 - 09:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Graciousness is the sign of a real Gent. Well done.
'trying to educate sussie'
Mar 17th, 2014 - 09:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0really?
'Aristocrats'....
Where Minister Swire stay?
At the Malvina stinky fish and wool House?.....
No money No class keep the islands in a british ars*
27 sussie@usa
Mar 17th, 2014 - 10:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0As a Minister and a gentleman Mr Hugo Swire MP would cheerfully and graciously accept whatever hospitality his hosts would offer. From what I can gather of his visit, he was warmly welcomed by all the Falklands community and Government. A fact made clear in his published letter of thanks.
Using such vulgar phrases such as yours is not very edifying.
@28
Mar 17th, 2014 - 10:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0How about all the insults you all have made to my argentine president?
29 sussie@usa
Mar 18th, 2014 - 12:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0“Your” Argentine President? Do you mean President Kirchner, or do you have your own Argentine President all to yourself.
Either way, I don't recall making any insults, you'll have to provide an example.
But sussie is so happy with her Argentine president she ran away to the good old USA. ..
Mar 18th, 2014 - 01:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0...so she claims.
Rupert, your patience has much to be admired but sussie is a waste of your valuable time I'm afraid. ..
@31
Mar 18th, 2014 - 05:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0'waste of your valuable time I'm afraid'
How about YOUR time posting non sense comments that ended up in Argentine files.?
Remember, YOU don't winn NOTHING posting your crap!
How about all the insults you all have made to my argentine president
Mar 19th, 2014 - 11:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0but but ???
she is not your president,
if you are now living in the USA, then Obama is your president,
Argentine files?
Mar 19th, 2014 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ha bloody ha ha! Is that supposed to frighten me?
PMSL
You seriously over estimate Argentine intelligence.
Keep files? They can't zip their own flies!
@33 BUGGER YOBBO
Mar 19th, 2014 - 06:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Legally, I am a citizen of these 2 countries: I reside in Argentina and some time in the USA.
@34 BRITISH FANNY
You seriously KEEPS DEGRADING A COUNTRY which is unacceptable.
DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO?....with your perfect grammar?
Islands or no Islands
CFK or no CFK
Argentina is ANTI-BRITISH...
SO GET LOST BIG BERK!
Sussie
Mar 19th, 2014 - 09:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you so much for your compliment regarding my usage of grammar.
Good to know my awfully expensive education hasn't gone to waste.
We are all perfectly well aware here that many in Argentina are 'anti - British'.
So what? It is not a threat but merely a state of mind. It is also an irrelevance to the UK public.
What is your point?
Comment removed by the editor.
Mar 19th, 2014 - 10:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Bhaaahahaha sussie!!!!!
Mar 20th, 2014 - 06:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0PMSL!!!!!
37,
Mar 20th, 2014 - 07:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0your insults and rudeness warrants no more communication..
But do warrant a damn good laugh!
Mar 21st, 2014 - 06:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0Interesting - not one response to my earlier post (repeated here). Instead, just insults back and forth on other matters:
Mar 21st, 2014 - 09:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0The 2012 census revealed a population of 2,931 on the Falkland Islands. The MoD revealed a month ago that the number of military personnel stationed there is now 1,050. That is a ratio of 2.79 civilians for every one military personnel. This an extremely large commitment at a time of poverty in the United Kingdom. Why should we subsidise these people to that great extent? If the argument is 'kith and kin', then how about the kith and kin in deprived areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Islands?
@41
Mar 21st, 2014 - 03:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A completely specious argument.
Why doesn't the UK end the £50 million in Aid that it sends to Argentina via the EU?
Why are we subsidising THESE people?
41 Pytangua
Mar 21st, 2014 - 07:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Spending money protecting the innocent from invasion, attack, abuse, intimidation, threats, and blockades,
Is worth every penny,
,,,,,,,,,,,,
That is a ratio of 2.79 civilians for every one military personnel
[you look at it the wrong way,
How abt comparing the military servicemen to the argentine military, and you will find that the British contingent are vastly out numbered.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
[-at a time of poverty in the United Kingdom]
If we, the 5th wealthiest nation in the world are in poverty, then how are the skint, broke Argies feeling, they must be in poor poverty x 20..
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Islands?
You seem to know an awfully lot about the British all of a sudden,..
.
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