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Falklands becomes launching pad for Argentine presidential hopeful campaign

Monday, June 30th 2014 - 05:32 UTC
Full article 133 comments

The Argentine 2015 presidential campaign has reached the Falkland Islands. Presidential hopeful and former Vice-president Julio Cleto Cobos is currently visiting the Falklands where he arrived on Saturday on the Lan Chile weekly flight and will spend the rest of the week in the Islands. Read full article

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  • Anglotino

    Extremely interesting.

    Wonder what his take on the whole Malvinas Myth is?

    Is Argentiba ready for a president that doesn't rant on about the Malvinas when things aren't looking rosy?

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Porto Margaret

    I expect that his foreign passport was stamped on entry and exit.

    That a photo was taken of the event, to put in the archives and exhibited in the Falkland museum at some future date.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Lord Ton

    I'm told the Falklands' stamp is very large, filling nearly all the page and mentions British a lot :-)

    For those that are interested in the latest version of Argentina's lies - I have annotated the book Tinman presented to the C24.

    https://falklandstimeline.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/the-international-community-and-the-malvinas-question-annotated1.pdf

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • La Patria

    He seems a lot more decent than cfk, especially as he had the balls to stand up to her.......we'll have to wait to see how things turn out before he can be properly judged.
    Mind you, I wouldn't want to take over the big pile of smelly mess that cfk will be leaving behind for her successor.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 07:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Leiard

    @ 3 Lord Ton

    Page 256/258

    The Coordinating Bureau:
    1. Expresses its regret over the increasing loss of lives in the Malvinas Islands conflict.

    If they had followed the only binding UN resolution and not ignored it there would not have been an increasing loss of lives.

    United Nations Security Council Resolution 502 demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities between Argentina and the United Kingdom and a complete withdrawal by Argentine forces.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Lord Ton

    256/7 ?? You must have an old copy :-)

    https://falklandstimeline.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/falklands-history24.pdf

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Swede

    Hopefully he learns something from his visit there. He can see with his own eyes that this place is not Argentina. IF he gets elected he can hopefully start changing the Argentine attitude towards the Falklands. But I think it will take one or more generations before normala relations can be establish.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Wtf.

    Are you islanders out of your tiny little minds? you gave this guy a visa to the islands, so that he can carry out a campaign that one day might see him elected as president of the Republic.

    Pray tell, what do you think he his going to do, in regards to the islands, when he's president?

    He's going to try and take them off you, FFS he's an Argentine and your helping him!!!!!!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Redrow

    @8
    I think that's rather unfair. Refusing the visa would have been a greater victory for him. If he turns out as bad as the Kirchners then at least the islanders can say they showed him hospitality in their own home and yet he still wanted to steal their country. However, having looked a few of them in the eye it would now be harder for him to say that they don't exist and aren't a people. Either way, that they let him visit still counts in their favour in my view.
    I would be interested to hear the islanders view.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Trunce!

    “White and sky-blue ¡long live the motherland!”

    Wow - even the sky belongs to Argyland : )

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ElaineB

    @8 Many Argentines visit the island. Why not?

    Whilst we may applaud the candidate for having CFK as an enemy and not supporting her in the farmer's dispute, I am pretty certain he will use his visit to please the malvanistas.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    No it's not unfair.

    He's an Argentine politician using the islands to try and get the top job in Argentine, Argentine politics!

    THA MEANS THE POLITICS OF POPULARISM, if he takes any stance on the islands, other than their so called “Recovery” for the motherland, he might as well take a blunt razor blade and cut his political throat, he will never get elected.

    What now? Are all the other presidential candidates going to be feted on the islands.

    As for giving the wrong impression to the Argentines, are you serious?

    Your talking about a nation that bans Falklands flagged vessels from its ports, tries to prevent peaceful tourists travelling to the islands, threatens to imprison oil company executives and workers operating within the islands territorial waters, AND YOUR CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPRESSION THAT ISLANDERS SET IN ARGENTINA.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @12 reality check,
    l happen to agree with you.
    l wouldn't let ANY of them in.
    But l don't have the power to do that.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Redrow

    @12
    I think your Caps Lock is on, either that or having an aneurysm.
    What happens in Argentina is neither here nor there. But internationally it is better for the islanders to be seen as open, friendly but determined.
    Isolde has stated her view which i respect. But whether he visits or not nothing actually changes so better for him to make himself look bad if that's what he wants to do rather than to have the islanders look bad for banning him. They can always refuse further entry and cite this visit if they wish.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • La Patria

    If Argentine dialogue with the islanders is a missing ingredient for a better and more productive relationship, then this may be a step in the right direction.

    On the other hand, if he annoys anyone, just put a dildo or paraphernalia of some kind in his bags when he leaves....will make a good photo (and story) when his bags are opened and checked.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Internationally it is better for the islanders to be seen as open, friendly and determined.

    What like AT THE C24 COMMITTEE OF THE UN?

    As for the CAP locks, I use them to emphasise a point, especially ironic ones.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Redrow

    No, the C24 is also irrelevant.
    But the countries that supported the UK's successful block on Spanish and Argentine attempts to limit self-determination where sovereignty is disputed, do need to be kept onside. Had FIG blocked the visa he could have claimed that a hand of friendship had been slapped away, now he can't.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 10:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GALlamosa

    Argentines do not need a visa to visit the Falkland Islands. We have nothing to fear from this man's visit. He can see what it is like, learn a few truths (if he is the listening type) and understand that the Falklands is a modern progressive democracy. If this becomes the fashion we could end up with some better informed candidates. There is no substitute for knowledge ion politics.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    I remember all the kerfuffle with TMBOA daughter handing the presidential sash to her mom. I now realise it was probably a safety thing in TMB's part: anyone else could have strangled her with it.

    This character is however a political animal born of The Dark Country with all of the twists and turns these people do at the drop of a hat in order to “rule the motherland” SIEG HEIL!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • kelperabout

    Maybe, just maybe he will have seen that the Argentine blockade of our home is simply not working and despite all their shouting we are forging ahead.
    It might have opened his eyes to the fact our way of life is not what Argentina thinks it is. We are a real people who he has now seen and no matter if he is elected or not he personally will have these images embedded in his mind.

    I personally do not think he should have bee allowed to come knowing the political noises that will follow but given that he was let in then we must take every opportunity to re-educate him.
    He will be very aware of his leaders lies and that we as a people are still as defiant today as we were in and before 1982.
    We made our choice perfectly clear in our referendum and any future presidential hopefuls in Argentina would be wise to remember that.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Reality Check- No he will not in any way be feted here! We have nothing to hide from any Argentine- and if he wants to come and have a look for himself and thus inevitably he will learn an few things different to what he has been taught before- then so much the better.
    18 G Llamosa, put it in a nutshell. He will be unlikely to change his mind - but at least he will see we exist as a modern civilized people and run our own affairs.
    Lets see how he acts over the next few days- so long as no flags appear. He might even end up later- if elected- saying- “maybe we can sit down and talk with these people with an open agenda,no fixed items, just to see if we can improve relations” - maybe pigs will fly first, but lets give him a chance at least,
    who knows.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Mendoza Canadian

    The only politician in this country with cajones. The only one to say no to cfk. And like the child she is she didn't speak to him for the next 3 years. The man has a brain. CFK doesn't realize that he actually saved her ass when he voted no.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Oh! he has brain alright, that's what this story is all about.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • knarfw

    “one of the challenges an Argentine president has in FOREIGN policy is Malvinas. ”

    Interesting comment.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 12:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    To be fair,
    I think the government of the islands should have the right to ask this Julio Cleto Cobos in advance, what intentions he has towards the British Falkland islands,
    and as a possible future leader of Argentina, if he fully recognises the legitimate right of the islanders to remain and choose to be British,
    and does he recognise the Falkland's as brinish, I think this would be fair, considering all the threats , abuse , intimidation that the Falklanders have had from the government of Argentina,

    what say we...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 12:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • zathras

    A couple of things spring to mind, which no one else has commented on.

    First: While VP after he disagered with Cristina Fernandez.
    “He was referred to as the 'traitor' or the 'squatter' for rejecting constant pressures for his resignation.”
    Interesting use of the word squatter.

    Second: “And one of the challenges an Argentine president has in foreign policy is Malvinas.”
    So he recognizes the Falklands are foreign.

    However this is followed by:
    I always considered indispensable coming to Malvinas, learn about its territory, climate, customs and pay homage to our soldiers who gave their lives for the Islands“, Cobos was quoted by Clarin.
    No mention of interacting with the Peoples of the Falklands. maybe hinted at by customs, but dare they not speak of the Falkland Islanders.

    Will be interesting to see if he makes himself know to the locals and what he says to them. I'm Sure the locals will have one or two things to say to him.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 12:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    Cobos has the right to visit the FI in a private trip without being bothered as some members of the UK Crown visited Argentina (and even in a long stay) without being bothered.

    Having him visiting the FI and being in direct contact with the islanders doesn't mean that Argentina will be chaning it's policy if he reach the presidency. Direct contact as human being has nothing to do with diplomatic issues between two countries.

    In addition, I see that FI claim for changes in the Argentine policy but they do not suggest any change from the UK attitudes. Both sides will have to offer changes if they want to get their relationship improved. What are you going to offer Argentina? At least I would like to read what you suggest that must change from the UK and FI people.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 12:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • knarfw

    Why would the UK offer Argentina anything, it has nothing to do with the UK? As for the Falklands, the ball is firmly in Argentina's court, drop this nonsesnse and grow up.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Escoses Doido

    Captain John Hamilton 22 SAS, a very selfless way to go, allowing his boys to get away.

    At the time, the local argentine officers were full of admiration for his courage, and buried him with full military honours.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DFM6053

    It is interesting who he brought with him. It would be political suicide for an Argentinian politician to be seem as soft on the Falklands issue. A man however who actually fought in the conflict could probably get away in the eyes of the Argentinian public with taking a more compromising approach. It will be interesting to see if Duarte is pushed to the forefront in his approach to the Falklands.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    But he is not there on a private trip, his he?

    He is there as part of a political campaign for the presidency of the Republic of Argentina.

    The same Republic of Argentina who's constitution demands sovereignty over the people of the island he is “entitled to make his private trip” to!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @28

    Why would the UK offer Argentina anything?

    Because the Islands belong (in fact) to the UK, because the islanders claim to be as british as anyone in the British islands, because the FI Governors are “elected” by the British PM and because the UK soldiers made the sacrifice to keep the Islands under british control.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CaptainSilver

    What could change in the long term is that the islanders could possibly develop a relationship like British people have with the Germans - trading partners, school and township twinning, friends and allies.

    But, PGerman, how can they have such a relationship when Argentina is trying to steal their homeland and resources, blockade theor ships, refuses to acknowledge the overwhelming wish of the islanders to remain British and fear a colonial takeover by a culture so different from what has been in place for 200 years? In fact Argentina starts at a disadvantage to Germany because the Germans never suceeded, Argentina did, if only for a few weeks. Unless Argentina adopts friendship and cooperation nothing will ever change.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Trunce!

    @27

    My neighbour would like to have my house and garden. Should I compromise and give it to him- providing of course - that he too compromises, and allows be to continue living there on his terms, as his guest.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Escoses Doido

    @32
    British soldiers died to save the way of life, and the lives of, - The Falkland Islanders.

    Re-mem-ber that!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    He will not adopt a policy of solventation of the Falklands from political platforms, which is what should happen: drop the matter and respect the Falklanders/British in the islands who want to keep their heritage and culture. End this matter by recognizing the above and Argentina has nothing it needs t discuss further with the Falklanders and the British, about any other issue.

    IF that happened he could free the country from this prurient obsession of the islands and get on with attaining real autonomy and isolationism from foreign influence with good policies that promote work and research. It saves so much mental energy and taxes not having to deal with foreign nations, I don't understand why politicians don't grasp that.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @33

    From my point of view to consider the dispute as an issue “between the Islanders and Argentina” with the UK acting as a “mediator” is misleading and won't bring any solution. It's the same as if Argentina would have said that the relationship between the country and Chile depened on Tierra del Fuego cintizens.

    The FI issue will have to be negotiated between both countries. I mean must be solved by both, Argentina and the UK governments.

    In addition, sometimes you, FI confuse me, since you write and mention that the current Arg Government policy doesn't affect you in anyway, that it makes you stronger, that it helps the FI to be developed, that it helps you to be out of Argentine influence...so there is nothing to complain.

    As I don't work for the Argentine government I don't know what can be offered to make things change

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Yeah and 32 years later an Argentine presidential candidate, is strolling around the town they died to liberate, holding photoshoots and posting comments on a website praising the Argentines as heroes.

    What's more, being allowed to do it.

    I wonder what the loved ones of the dead would make of it all?

    You could not make this shit up!!!!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nololly

    If you look at Cobos's tweets and twitter pictures its pretty obvious that his visit is nothing but a cynical propaganda exercise to burnish his political image since it just consists of pictures of Argentian graves. No visit to the San Carlos cemetery is mentioned, just to where his sidekick claims he killed a fine British Officer.

    The Argie dead should be dug up and returned to their homeland, then these clowns would have no reason to visit.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 01:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @38 & 39

    I only see Cobos visit as a “step forward” taking into account that he would reach the Presidency and he would have a better understanding on the situation in the FI but you see this visit a “cynical” attitude....

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    I'm pretty amused and confused....

    The only thing Cobos did was travel out of his own pocket and will to the islands. He didn't comment anything political, he just posted a couple of photos and thats it.

    Some times people say here “ Ohh I wish Argentina would change its attitude towards the islands and trade and do business normally”, now all of you guys are just bitching around about nonsense because a Argentine citizen visited the islands who happens to be a pretty much underdog in the political arena at the moment ??

    He had enough by the fact the nationalist malvinistas are bitching against him for having his passport sealed by British authorities on the island.

    The world is so full of stupid people and haters....

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @40

    Playing Devil's advocate, they are cynical because they have seen this behavior before. YOU can't see it because you have been infected by this obsession over the Falkland Islands. I have not, so with all due respect, I am a bit more objective than you.

    I don't like when people try to force feed me anything, so having to learn all this ridiculous history of the “”Malvinas“” (you will NEVER see me typing that word, so this may be a first in almost THREE YEARS, historic Moment), and having to see the “”Malvinas“” song just makes me sick. I did some research of my own long ago and the fact is the dispute is nowhere near so clear cut as Argentine education portrays it.

    OTOH Argentine education is 100% right regarding the evil nature of the European and North American, and what they have done around the world in the last 500 years. The class I had to take on European-USA American Imperialism, Barbarism, and Geo-political War Crimes was a turning point for me.

    Of course I was skeptical at first, just like with the Falklands education, so I did my own research. In fact, the European and North American crimes on the world were WORSE than what the class said, omitting many instances of massive racism, genocide, and cultural theft and deracination.

    It is not OK to be indoctrinated without corroborating the facts first. Fact is, the Falklands should given modern laws remain with the British.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • RE755

    He is a politician and will do anything to gain votes. If he was to be elected he would change nothing. He should be shown a copy of the 1850 Convention of Settlement, and explain to him that's when Argentina gave up it's claim to the Falklands.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @41

    Wrong just as Pegerman. They have a right to be cynical when people are obsessed about an issue the way Argentina is over the stupid Falklands.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monkeymagic

    Troll

    Whilst I applaud your stance on the islands, I am curious to how your plans for Argentine isolationism works.

    Do you mean total isolation?

    Do you mean banning every single non-Latam company, investment, development and innovation from Argentina.

    Does Argentina become self sufficient in all medicines, pharmaceuticals, technology, energy, agricultural and industrial matters?

    Whilst I have no particular issue with this, I am curious to whether youve fully assessed the socio-economic impacts of your proposal.

    But so long as you leave the islanders alone, i couldnt care less...just curious.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    43.
    I think that If they truly wish Argentina to change its attitude towards them I think they had there golden chance if he hasn't returned yet.

    What do they do, have him walk down the streets of Stanley and complain indoors about his presence??
    He's a perfectly reasonable and brave guy, he is not one of those K “ex-combatants” that the gov't sends to the islands paid by our taxes.
    Why dont they talk to him??

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @45

    They have no reason to talk to him. WE were the aggressors. It should be Cobos who talked to them first.

    I see no reason why he should have done so however. I have always stated we should simply leave the Falklanders alone. They are ETHNICALLY British, and we live in a age where people's wishes have to have SOME say in their affairs. But furthermore, we went to war for the islands and LOST.

    For all the name calling of me here, I am the most realistic about the Falklands here.

    @44

    Yes, why not? It would take a long time but if people educated themselves and availed to work hard and innovate, I don't see why not. While I see it as unlikely given the toxic state of Argentine society, I don't think it is impossible.

    The most important thing is to minimize foreign hands in the country, foreigners like Europeans and North Americans who have proven time and time again to be a bad culture.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • knarfw

    Without knowing what his motives are for the visit it is difficult to assess how he should be received. It is only natural that the Islanders do not trust him, or any Argentine politician for that matter.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Pgerman- please get it into your head - fact - the Governor is the Queen,s representative in the Islands, he is indeed chosen in London - but he has no voting power within the Falkland Islands Govt over our laws and how and what we do.
    As for who has to help who first- Fact again- every bit of the breakdown in talks and relations since 2002 has been 1005 caused by the Kirscheners - if you reckon we caused any - please show how and where?
    We had between us:
    Communications and ongoing talks over Fisheries Conservation and exchange of data and monitoring of overlapping resources- we even did joint surveys!

    Offshore exploration agreements as to whose waters belonged to who and a joint- area. All between Argentina and the Islands - NOT UK as it is indeed not theirs.

    Most of all - under the Sovereignty umbrella of agreeing to differ on the unreconcilable but getting on with the practical issues we had a growing mutual RESPECT.
    It is 100% down to your side to make the moves to start to restore that- it will take a loooooooooooong time- if ever. Ball in your court. We would like it if you you did - but not fussed if you don't.
    I have no problem with him calling the dead at Darwin, heroes - they died fighting for what they believed in - just happened to be different to what we believe in. Such happens in war.
    IF he has a mind to open doors and build a bridge then no doubt he will visit San Carlos cemetery - quite a lot of Arg veterans do.
    Ball is in his court.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    I think one should be consistent. Last week there were legitimate complaints that none of the C24 committee had visited the Falklands will to see the situation for themselves.At least this man has come as a private cityzen to visit the islands and see for himself.
    I am sure that the FI that will treat him with their usual natural civilized courtesy while making their views felt, but certainly not in the Argentine way of visitor harassment, flag burning and rioting.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    46.

    “I have always stated we should simply leave the Falklanders alone. They are ETHNICALLY British, and we live in a age where people's wishes have to have SOME say in their affairs. But furthermore, we went to war for the islands and LOST.”

    Yes you are right, but at the end of the day Cobos just traveled privately to the Islands to take some photos and visit some sites, he has the right to do so. Otherwise I dont see much political tone in his twitter account nor in his comments.

    There is nothing wrong to sit down to have a coffee and talk. Cobos would have much more to lose politically at home if he did knock on the doors of the gov't officials in thee islands. And they should realistically know this by now

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 02:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nololly

    #50 Well, we will just have to wait and see what he is up to. As you say, he hasnt finished his visit yet. So far, he has just posted pictures of the Argentinian graves and announced that he will be visiting somewhere where 1000 invading Argentinian troops were located during the war who won a small victory over a British observation post manned by a handful of British troops. Any decent man, would recognise that there were two sides in the conflict and would be at pains to publicly demonstrate that if he genuinely respected both sides he would pay his respects at both cemeterys. I am still cynical and waiting to be proved wrong. It seems to me he is just playing to the gallery. For once Toby is spot on!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 03:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monkeymagic

    @46

    You ask why not?

    The reason, I guess, is because like it or not, the very cultures you despise are responsible for many of the technologies and advances that most socieities rely on.

    Could Argentina design and manufacture its own cars and trucks? yes.

    Would they be fuel inefficient, high polluting and unreliable...without access to the global knowledge base probably.

    Could Argentina run hospitals, yes

    Would they have access to the newest drugs, the newest surgical procedures, the newest vaccines etc...no

    Could Argentine mine for mineral or produce oil...yes

    Could they maximise recovery, operate safely, make marginal finds economic etc etc..without the best technology and most knowledgable and experienced engineeers...probably not..

    And so the list goes on and on and on...this Argentine Utopia seems impossible...If youd done it twenty years ago, where would you be now?

    Would you have the internet?
    What information technology would you operate?
    What cars would you be driving?
    Would your hospitals be better or worse?

    I am happy you think it would be better, to be honest I havent seen isolationism work, the few attempts that have been made seem to have had unhappy endings.

    But good luck, keep spreading the word that the Falklands arent Argentine, never were, never will be...and enjoy your isolationism

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 03:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    I think it is a very good thing, I have said before that people of influence in Argentina should visit the Islands and see how hopeless their ideals of taking their home from them are. The Falkland Islands and it's people are as different from Argentines as the French and Chinese and the political class in Argentina need to see this for themselves. The present government in Argentina burnt all of it's bridges, all they have left is bitterness at their failed policy, maybe there is hope for a more conciliatory tone in the future.

    One should always make sure that they take their flight back to Argentina however.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 03:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    51.
    Well no, I don't expect Cobos to be an expert in military understanding nor know too much about the war itself. Yes the actual taking of the islands was the 2nd of April was hardly a military accomplishment.

    As for what I understand of this article he will be probably visiting and paying his respects to a British captain who fell in Port Howard.

    I think you arre being too harsh on him. He is after all an Argentine and would visit the graves of his countrymen foremost. I think you are forgetting he is not in a official visit and he can travel wherever he feels like and has to follow no protocol.

    Do all visiting british officials visit the Argentine graves??

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 03:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nololly

    #54 Any British politician would definately visit both cemeterys, and pay their respects, it goes without saying. And, we wouldnt brag about who we killed either. The trouble with all Argentinians is that you just dont seem to understand our sense of right and wrong and how utterly offensive you appear to be. Again and again you reinforce the feelings of alien repugnance. That is precisely why everyone on the Falklands wants to maintain their connections with Britain.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    54- Cabeza - yes they do and lay wreaths- Royalty included.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    55.
    I meant as a off protocol none official visit by a British official.

    So you assume that the visit to a grave in Port Howard is an attempt of brag??
    Now This is what Clarrin says

    “El resto de la semana lo dedicará a “reconstruir la historia” con Duarte, un ex teniente coronel amigo de Cobos y conocido por matar en combate a John Hamilton, un capitán de las fuerzas británicas al que enterró con honores militares. Ese gesto fue valorado a los pocos días, cuando cayó prisionero, y 20 años después conoció a la viuda de Hamilton. ”

    Duarte had him a buried with full military honors and wwhen he fell prisoner the British recognized this from him

    So what do you really whant to be left alone or to have trading and normal relations with Argentina ??

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @53

    I do not agree with you. For my profession I traveled to China, and visit other Asian countries, I it's clear that British people are quite similar to Argentina ones. Basically, because of our European cultural background. Both societies share plenty of things. The fact that people in the islands speak English doesn't mean anything. We are as diferent as Quebec people are from the rest of Canada. Little differencies.

    I would like to mention that you have “at home” someone that could be President of Argentina so you can talk to him “face to face”. That's what plenty of you have always asked for: to be visited to be understood. Take advantage of the visist.

    In addition, let me add that when the Prince visited Argentina, and stayed there several weeks playing polo, nobody bother him. And he visited not a single cementery or he didn't honor any Argentina casualty at all.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Jmackiej

    Im not sure why everyone wants to get rid of cfk, she is absolutely ensuring that Argentina is ridiculed at home and abroad, and is powerless to do anything except issue vacuous meaningless statements whilst the economy of Argentina tanks. Keep her in power I say, the last thing we want is an Argentina which can rub two pesos together.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @56

    It's an insurmountable cultural difference. British society prioritizes protocol and pageantry over honesty and substance. The opposite is true in Argentine society.

    Thus if in Argentina you don't feel a certain way, you don't go out of they way to commit an act that suggest the opposite.

    I'm am pretty sure the British officials honestly don't give a fuck about argie dead (though I cannot be 10o% certain on a personal level, I'm speaking in general), and I don't blame them for that. Yet they lay wreaths, so you say. That is because in the British mind, protocol, pageantry, and a concept of “international image” call for it

    Argentina has no such concerns, we are completely uninterested in good relations with the rest of the world, so if we don't feel a certain way we just tell you even if it is totally undiplomatic or unceremonious. Thus, Maradona, Kirchner with foreign politicians, etc.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @60

    May be it's time you finish school, stop writting stupid things and travel a little bit. You will see the World in a different way. You will start undertanding it. Open your mind....clever boy.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    There is nothing of the rest of the world I have not already learn from books, encyclopedias, youtube videos, the foreigners that post here and their behavior, and friends and family accounts of being overseas.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @62

    In that case maybe it's time you finish school, stop writting stupid things and be an ignorant during the rest of your life. You will neither see the World in a different way nor undertanding it. Keep yourself with mind closed.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • M_of_FI

    @40

    Yes, Falkland Islanders do tend to be cynical when it comes to the motives of Argentine visitors. Various stunts have been carried out by Argentines when visiting the islands (Olympic advert, Argentine flags, military uniforms, graffiti, etc., etc.). It is incredibly insulting for people to come to the islands to try and defy our political choices and us as a people.

    The fact that you don’t understand why we are cynical towards Argentine visitors perfectly encapsulates your and Argentina’s empathy towards the islanders. You truly do not understand or care about the islanders. You are not empathetic regarding the harassment your country carries out towards us. You believe that you are right to cause us difficulties, but at the same time you expect us to be sympathetic towards your claim over the islands and expect us to compromise by handing sovereignty over our homeland to you! Can you see the issue here? Or are you completely blinded by Argentina’s cause?

    This warped way of Argentine thinking will never change. It is deep in your psyche. We will never be sympathetic towards your cause because you will never be respectful towards us.

    In fact, our causes are in direct conflict with one another. We want to have political control over our homeland and you want to have control over our homeland.

    So pardon me and my fellow islanders for being a tad cynical.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    I think the FI islanders are not being honest with themselves. They are not thinking properly and objectively. They should just demand London to cutt off ties with Argentina and have no Argentine visiting anymore.
    Its perfectly reasonable if they dont want anymore cynical inmoral invaders, after all we are all the same to them Malvinistas and no Malvinistas.

    So London and Buenos Aires can move foward in all the rest of bilateral issues, between the two countries and have the FI as a de facto third sovereing State and any demand by Argentina regarrding the issue can be answeered back by the UK washing its hand by saying “Let me consult with the islanders about it”
    I think its the best solution.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @65

    The problem is the UK not the Falklanders.

    Everywhere you look in this world where there is a conflict, the problem is the UK.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Z-ville

    @47

    It is certainly hopeful to have an Argentine politician who actually bothers to see and learn about the world and the Islands before spouting off hot air and scripted rhetoric.

    But, did anyone notice this in the article: “...one of the graves which holds the remains of one of his Military School pals, killed during the South Atlantic conflict.”

    So he went to “Military School” during the Junta period. Has anyone checked this guy's history out? What did he spend his “Military School” days doing?

    The military academies during the Junta period were notorious evil gruesome torture centers. They had little to do with teaching military warfare and strategy (as the outcome of the Falklands war clearly demonstrated)...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 04:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    66.
    What I dont like is hypocrits that say they want to have normal relations with Argentina (perhaps London calls on Stanley to say so I dont know) but that they drop their soveregnity claim, but when a off the protocol argentine official arrives they all hide in doors and complain about him not visiting the British graves and claiming lies and saying Cobos is to brag on a grave. They are not easy people to deal with. Imagine at governmental level

    I would have normal relations with London and the UK where they actually do like us (or not mind us) than with the Falkland Islands. Argeentina will need investments and markets, and European Britain has that. But I know you will not agree with me.

    As you say they have a rght not to like us and it is understandable, but I think the best solution is that they are honest about their feelings and really do act in accordance to their self determination and cutt ties with Argentina

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @66

    Relations with the UK are really rather unnecessary these days. There is nothing indispensable, product or geopolitical, that is needed from such a relationship.

    The Falklanders don't want to discuss sovereignty, a mindset which I have no quarrel with, but they then call Argentina “irresponsible” for refusing to talk about fisheries and ship operations in the Argentine Sea (and by that I mean Argentina's EEZ outside the Falklands legitimate EEZ zone).

    In other words, sovereignty of the Falklands including their EEZ is off the table, but WE should sit down with them and the UK and discuss OUR own EEZ and make 'treaties' with them about it (which would obviously curtail our sovereignty in the EEZ if we are bound by treaties with foreign parties).

    Completely ridiculous and I have been saying that forever.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    We already have a international recognized EEZ, the ones who did not seem to recognize it where the Chinese Japanese and Taiwanese fisherman. LOL

    Now the gov't has given it away to the Asians so whatever.

    “Relations with the UK are really rather unnecessary these days. There is nothing indispensable, product or geopolitical, that is needed from such a relationship.”
    I disagree but I agree with you on leaving the islanders alone and cutting ties with them if they wish so.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    “I agree with you on leaving the islanders alone and cutting ties with them if they wish so”...that's what CFK has been doing lately. She cut all the comunication with the Islands and the continent but they complained. Just the weekly LAN flight was left...and if interrupted they will complain more !!!

    The Argentine Government could perfectly well cut this connection...but issues don't solve by themselves just by leaving them on their own..

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Particularly when those issues are all on one side, or am I wrong?

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @70

    Kick them out too, the Asians. No foreigners should be tainting our territory.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    71.
    But the problem is that trolls travel to the islands to do their act, that is the reason why perfectly reasonable well intended and diplomatic argies like me and you get so much BS ever so often here. That is the reason I hardly eever post on these Falkland/Malvinas articles anymore.

    You are confusing different things CFK implemented her economical blockade yes, but she never cut the only key she has to send her trolls to make the adverts or her “EX- combatants” who are just unionists paid by the gov't to the islanders.

    The grave needs to be repatriated too, its just an excuse Argentina uses to have its people go to the islands and make fuss about nothing at all like a fucking glass.

    The Argentina govt needs a connection to the islands or something or some issue to exploit politically. The islanders are fed up.... They should just call to London about it.

    You have to face the fact that certain people can never get alone with each other and thats the way it is.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    Yeahhh...we can start kicking out the Asian, then following with the blacks, then the jews, then the indians, then all the inmigrants, then the gays, the drug addicts....

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    71 pgerman -sorry to correct you again but CFK has only ever cut one link between us and S America.
    That one of Chilean charter flights that had to overfly Argentina. that is the only “link” that was cut.
    The only link she and her late husband ever stopped happening was the 2nd mid week Lan flight that would have landed in Argentina as well.
    All other links continue- shipping links with Montevideo in Uruguay and when we need one - with Punta Arenas in Chile.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • M_of_FI

    Yes, Cabeza the Islanders are difficult to work with, but unfortunately that comes hand-in-hand when a country is trying to force us to give up our home...

    It isn't hypocritical that Falkland Islanders want cooperation with Argentina in some areas and at the same time don't want to discuss sovereignty. This occurs with every international agreement between any two countries when they agree to something!

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @75

    I mean the non-Argentina Asians, those in the EEZ waters, etc.

    I want an ethnic cleansing based on PASSPORTS, not race, color, religion, sexual leaning, age, gender, or handicap. Don't put words in my mouth.

    I just don't want to lay sight on anything foreign.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    77. You have your man walking down the streets following no protocol. Just talk to him and address those issues. What more do you need?? You seem to be doiing fine without BsAs cooperation and I respect that.

    Besides you are not getting my point. You would be better off going back to the mid 1980s status so you can live peacefully alone while both London and Bs As can move foward on other issues..
    Dont you agree??

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    “I want an ethnic cleansing based on PASSPORTS, not race, color, religion, sexual leaning, age, gender, or handicap. Don't put words in my mouth”..I'm sorry..yes, you are so democratic and tolerant. You must be peronist.

    @77 I would love to have the chance to personally meet a potential future UK PM or FI Governor.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @77

    Massively hypocritical. Asking to discuss sovereignty is not “cooperation”. You want to keep your EEZ because your sovereignty is not to be up for debate, but you want Argentina to discuss it's EEZ with you and the UK, and be saddled by some treaty where you would have the power to curtail our sovereignty.

    And besides, you are NOT an internationally recognized country. You do not have rights to one-on-one discussions with Buenos Aires. If you have any issues you want to raise, you need to contact the Foreign Office and then they must negotiate on your behalf.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 05:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @81

    “I just don't want to lay sight on anything foreign”...so immigrants can be expelled from the country....they don't have arg PASSPORTS after all...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    Anyway... I think this is the only debate about the issue that I can recall where real productive and honest solutions have been proposed.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • The_TroLLing_Stone

    @82

    No, they should be allowed to stay. The borders should be fortified from now on however.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Turnip Swede at (67)

    You say...:
    “So he went to “Military School” during the Junta period. Has anyone checked this guy's history out? What did he spend his “Military School” days doing?”

    I say...:
    Mr. Cobos is not one of my favourite politicians but I know that he attended military school in Mendoza between 1973 and 1976.... also during one of our short democratic periods...
    Why don't you try to “Think” before spitting turnipidities...., din jävla svensker...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • nololly

    Dont get me wrong #79, I will be the first to applaud this person if he does the right thing, but right now, I am very cynical. Compared to many who post here from Argentina you often talk a lot of sense and many of us value your input. What we all need to do is understand one anotber and that often entails revealing your feelings like I revealed mine. What we dont need is trolls and nutcases - you know who I am referring to, both sides…

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    As long as the islanders stay strong,
    those nasty, cunning , word twisting fork tonged argies will never get the islands,
    full stop..

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    For once I agree with you Think. All Argentines at that time had to do compulsory military service as in many other countries at that time

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #66
    Everywhere you look in this world where there is a conflict, the problem is the UK.
    World conflicts------wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ongoing_armed_conflicts
    Somali, NW Pakistan, Mexican drug war, Egyptian crisis, Syrian civil war, Central African Republic, South Sudanese war, Kurdish Separatism in Iran, Korean conflict, Kashmir, Phillipines, Turkey/ PKK , Lords resistance army, Nagormo Karabakh, Xinjiang conflict in China, Mahgreb, Thailand, Paraguayan Peoples Army insurgency, North
    Caucasus, Sudan/SRF Conflict, N.Mali conflict, Renamo insurgency, Ukraine conflict and China's take over of Tibet.

    For a self proclaimed academic who researches things thoroughly your remark is pathetic. Examine the list above and explain why the problem is the UK. The Argentine education system must suck if you are the self proclaimed best it can produce.
    You are letting your blatant hatred of the UK cloud whatever passes for judgement in your eyes.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    QUESTION..

    Cannot the British government remove its territories from this list?
    As the C24 is an illegitimate joke, and seems to be dragging all this out as a reason for their very existence,
    Their must be some way, they can be removed from the list,
    As the territories have been dealt with,
    They freely choose to remain with us,. Full stop.
    The world it seems is slowly but defiantly sliding into anarchy. Civil unrest, civil wars
    And bloodshed, the mighty EU has just elected an idiotic brainwashed euro robot, and ignores the worlds problems in part,
    The future looks dim soggy and oppressive,
    Britain needs to be ready for the unexpected that may well come calling.
    If only David could come of that ionic follow the camel syndrome,
    Wake up and fully support our military,
    Instead of following others, who only ever blame us for anything and everything.
    Just a waking thought..

    .

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (89) Clyde15

    I would venture to say that about 50% of the conflicts you mention in your above list have a very deep & bloody Engrish fingerprint....

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Trunce!

    @85

    ”Turnip Swede at (67)”

    That issue has more potential for conflict than Falklands/Malvinas : )

    http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip_(terminology)

    http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip_(terminology)

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 07:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Z-ville

    @86

    “Turnip Swede”?

    OK. At least you've lost the “Anglo” bit. Give you credit for that.

    But, do you honestly want people to believe that in a three-year intermediate period the military schools magically switched from evil dungeons of torture and fascism to boy-scout-straight academies and then back to evil dungeons three years later again?
    Isn't it more likely that the academies are where the junta henchmen were trained during the civilian time-out?
    How much oversight did the three-year civilian government really have of the military academies during those three years?

    So maybe this guy didn't get his hands dirty. But he's bound to have been trained by the same guys as those who did...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 07:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    What is all this “discussion” about? Bottom line. He's an argie. He was okay with the invasion, the occupation and the war. Read! He's just as much an enemy as the Kirchners and the rest of the argies. There should be no “hopes” for a change in approach or attitude. Tempting to those embattled and victimised but pointless. This is just the same enemy with a different face. Just one word says everything. “Malvinas”. All the “aide” had to do was to use the word “Falklands”. Just more argie scum.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 07:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Z-ville

    @86, 95

    OK, yes. He's an Argie. Back in '82 he stood cheering and screaming with the rest of them. But at the same time there are different levels of hell.
    If the guy was just a conscript nobody back then maybe it's not the end of the world to have the guy run the country. But if he was trained in hit squad tactics and torture methods, maybe Argentina needs to look harder at their candidates...

    Maybe they're your enemy, but you still need your enemy to have a leader you can reason with...

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Room101

    One of those “non-official” visits that is really ex-officio; building the kind of propaganda that even the propagandist making it can believe in.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 08:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Cabeza 80- If by the mid 80,s you mean pre any airline contact with S America and just the odd red cross charter flight for Arg next of kin and so on - The world has moved on from there. We would not end up back there even if CFK withdrew Lan overflights - we would establish an alternative link that would not overfly and thus not be dependent on Arg goodwill.
    Back in mid 80s we refused to recognise and accept Arg passports so even day tourists were not allowed ashore and the only way a family of a person buried at Darwin could come was on a special red cross charter flight.
    We would not want to go back to that - but if Argentina wanted to go backwards to that - their call.
    CFK has no masterstroke-stranglehold over us - she can (and is) making life a bit of a pain in the arse at times - but that is all she can do. And we can work around it.
    Anyway perhaps this guy will bump into one of our MLA,s in the pub and who knows they might even have a sociable chat. As have said before - ball is in his court- private visit so up to him to approach us.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monkeymagic

    The problem is that the “Malvinas myth” is so deeply rooted into the psyche of many Argentines, it would be political suicide for a politician to go off-script as a starter.

    There are only two ways the argentine people will drop the obsession.

    The first would appear to be Conquerors favoured route. That is a military defeat so terrible, so finite, that it would be a national shame for anyone to ever utter the word again. Something akin to Japan in WWII.

    The second would be a slow realisation of wrong, an undoing of the brainwashing, an unbiased teaching of the historic truth.

    In many ways Britain went through a similar exercise, much as Troll wouldn't know or understand it.

    In my grandparents era, the British Empire was taught in schools to be a thing of pride and splendour, something fantastic, and that to be British was to be superior.

    by my parents era, the Wilson governments were peddling any anti-British, anti-establishment, anti-empire, rhetoric they could.

    The result that was by the 80s and 90s history teaching was more objective and balanced, understanding both the benefits and the harm.

    From what ai understand the Blair governments again tried to sway history teaching more towards a socialist agenda, but on the whole it is balanced.

    Clearly, as evidenced by the cretinous Axel ARG, Argentine teaching is still very much to the standard the Uk was at near 100 years ago, where only the favourable interpretation, or patriotic interpretation is acceptable.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    98.
    Thats what exactly I was talking about ban all argentines from visiting the islands full stop. The period after the war to the Madrid agreements. The problem is your own island gov't says they want to have normal neighbour relations with Argentina. i.e Argentina drop its claim recognize the FI independence and self determination and then do business, trade, travel, agree on whatever about fishing there is to talk about, etc. You cant really cherry pick among what you want and expect from Argentina and you cant either cherry-pick the Argies visiting there. You have to put up with the well intended guys and the trolls without putting everybody in the same bag or else cut ties alltogether without interfering with UK- Arg relations. But that is up to you to demand London.

    At the end of the day you cant “friend-zone” someone who is obsessive about you in the light that some day that person can change and you can only accept the positives about them.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 09:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anglotino

    I think the status quo is working quite well. I think Cobos' visit proves that. Here's an Argentine politician who may run for president visiting another country as a private citizen.

    It is hardly Nixon visiting China. But from small gestures, great changes are possible.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anbar

    “”“Yeah and 32 years later an Argentine presidential candidate, is strolling around the town they died to liberate, holding photoshoots and posting comments on a website praising the Argentines as heroes.”“””

    Wrong on so many accounts - they died defending the rights of the Islanders to do as they wish - and if THEY wish to allow this chap in, then thats the way it is.

    Jun 30th, 2014 - 11:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Islander1

    Cabeza 100- We don't expect Arg to drop their claim - that would be unrealistic albeit very nice! Just put both claims so to speak to the side (the infamous umbrella- it seemed to work)and find a way of getting on with each other a bit better than at present. That way in the long- very long(50 yrs plus) - term who knows what might happen eventually in the way of a solution that satisfies both sides could occur.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 12:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Escoses Doido

    @103
    When they stop brainwashing children in school about a place called las Malvinas - There might be a way to progress.
    Until then, I'd say there is more chance of having Islamic sharia law banned world wide.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 12:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura2

    103.
    That was done in thee 90s remember??
    Policy and relations can come back and forth between dialoguist gov'ts.

    Argentines that only travel to the islands will be only those who feel some connection, feeling or interest to the islands. Otherwise regular folk will usee their savings to go to PdE, Brazil, MIA or Europe, therefore you will allways be stuck with the same kind of people...

    Besides I think you should have a much better understanding of Arg politics if that is what you wish in the long term.

    I think all these cases like Gibraltar, Taiwan and so on so forth, the claimant countries get trapped in their claims where the more time passes it seems they get slightly closer because they keep on and on claiming. It like in maths limits to a function, where you input values to the function to get ever closer to a point but never actually reaching it. And that is what nationalist politicians can use to perpetuity

    101.
    I think one party is bitter and jealous and the other is having to cope with it against its will and not standing it that much.
    It just doesnt seem to work.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 12:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    @92

    Would you care to venture an explanation for some of us turnips out here, or is it just more of the usual unsubstantiated generic anglophobia?

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 04:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @106 Hans,
    Thats just Think(something that he doesn't do very much), he hates us so everything he says can be disregarded.
    Don't call yourself a turnip, you don't know what that means to Think.
    lts quite insulting.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 09:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #92
    You would say ANYTHING if it was anti-English, however the remark was made to TTT.
    All you have to do is give chapter and verse to “English” involvement in the list of conflicts I have produced. Not some vague “Thinkism”

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 09:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    The sooner the southern tube tunnel from turo to the Falkland's is finished, the better..lol

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 10:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1706107-argentina-britanica-segun-hudson

    Published today in La Nacion

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 12:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Struggled with the translation, but this is the C21 century, try living in it.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 02:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • HansNiesund

    @107 Isolde

    He's a disappointment though, isn't he? I'm always hoping that behind the pose of haughty superiority there's something a bit more substantial than just bile, misogyny, and ethnic hostility, but he never manages to rise to the occasion.

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 03:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • pgerman

    @107 and 112

    There is a saying in Aregentina: “will not ask for pears to an elm”....

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 04:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    There's a saying in the UK too.

    If it looks like shit.

    Smells like shit.

    Feels like shit. (when you step in it, hate for you to get the wrong idea)

    It's shit!

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 05:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Leiard

    @113

    “The Purple Land” is a fictional adventure novel and not historical fact.

    I love “The great Argentine writer William Henry Hudson”
    - he moved to England in 1874 and became a British citizen in 1900

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 05:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    He was on to a good thing then..

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 06:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Steve-34-uk

    'Ex FM Taiana says Cobos' Malvinas trip 'irresponsible' ~ ...“Going to the Islands without any mission and spending a week there is an unfortunate political decision and a prove that (Julio) Cobos does not understand the significance of the Malvinas question; it is also a disrespect to (Argentina’s) institutions,” Taiana told a radio show today...'
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/163513/ex-fm-taiana-says-cobos-malvinas-trip-irresponsible

    'Carmona reported that a former carapintada traveled to Falkland Cobos
    “It is worrying that a deputy of the trip to the Falkland Islands with someone who would attack on democracy rising nation in arms,” ​​he lamented...'
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/163513/ex-fm-taiana-says-cobos-malvinas-trip-irresponsible

    interesting German article...
    'The would-be Europeans - Analysis The population of our World Cup-Argentina opponent is considered to be arrogant. Are they right?..'
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/163513/ex-fm-taiana-says-cobos-malvinas-trip-irresponsible

    'Falkland Islands with Argentina DNI “was the black sheep of the flock suffered persecution and discrimination” - Alexander Betts, who was last week at the hands of the governor the DNI with domicile in Malvinas, as part of the province of Tierra del Fuego, recounted his life as learned from the islands, where his position was questioned, even by their own family-and how today claimed national sobernanía on the islands who saw him born...'
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/163513/ex-fm-taiana-says-cobos-malvinas-trip-irresponsible

    Jul 01st, 2014 - 07:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    Falklanders: I'm afraid this is not a matter of your enemy's enemy being your friend. Cobos would no doubt be happy to see the Falklands conquered and submitted, just like 99% of Argentines. Its neighbours must all learn to ignore Argentina.

    Jul 02nd, 2014 - 01:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • F0rgetit87

    Most don't care about the Falklands. It's only the politicians going on and on about it and force feeding it at school level that keeps it alive.

    Jul 02nd, 2014 - 04:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    @118 ynsere, slightly of topic but did you read the article in El País, economía
    Sección on Monday entitled Paraguayos reclaman por accidentes con prácticos argentinos ?
    Yet another example or Argentine arrogant bullying, not to say inefficiency

    Jul 02nd, 2014 - 05:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    Redpoll @ 120
    Yes, as a matter of fact I did. But are you surprised? For Uruguay (and all the rest of Argentina's neighbours I have no doubt) Argentine bullying and inefficiency are a given. And we're talking 150+ years in our case.
    Here's a thought on the same lines: Did the Brits win the Falklands' conflict against all odds, or did the Argentines lose it against all odds?

    Jul 03rd, 2014 - 12:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    @ 121 ynsere
    “Did the Brits win the Falklands' conflict against all odds, or did the Argentines lose it against all odds?”

    You have clearly never seen 2 or 3 Para or 42 Commando training, have you?

    One of my managers was a reserve 42 Commando and he did nothing but plead to me to let him go to the Gulf War. Fortunately for me, his commanding officer refused his request. This guy was not very big but he was the proverbial outhouse, brick built, destruction of the enemy for the use of. Yet he admitted that although he had shot people during his time in the Commandos he could not bring himself to kill a chicken and nearly failed his initial advanced training course because of it.

    The argies were also poorly equipped and led by asses and none of them had experienced modern warfare or had any clue to the resolve of the Brits to kill them if needed to win the war.

    An example: a Scots Guard took his OWN 7.62 NATO target rifle complete with long range sniper scope with him to war. Whilst traversing the hills they came upon a heavy calibre machine gun nest which turned out to be over 1,000 yards away and the men were out “taking the air” as the euphemism goes. He lay down and got himself ready: the first shot killed one of them but confused the others (no sound of the report and no supersonic crack because he didn’t fire over their heads), his second shot killed another argie and all the others raised a white flag.

    I don’t think the Junta had any say in the matter; they were soundly beaten by a smaller but much superior fighting force.

    But there again I know 3 Para and 42 Commando, murdering bastards all of them but I love them to bits and I KNOW which side I would want them on: mine.

    Jul 03rd, 2014 - 05:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redp0ll

    Yes it was a question of professionals against a mainly conscript army, some of whom from the tropics of Missiones who didnt even know where they were and were brutalized by their officers. It was a question of being motivated to do a job. As Major Kizely (SG) comments it wasnt all sniping. A lot of Argentines on Tumbledown were killed by a bayonet.
    To get back to pilotage on the River Plate. The main base for Argentine pilots taking ships to BA and beyond is Puerto Buceo in Montevideo. Isnt it about time that that service should be suspended for “technical” reasons?
    I also heard that there is a flourishing service from Piriapolis ferrying prostitutes out to the ships waiting off shore for a pilot.
    What Uruguayans will do to boost our national economy!

    Jul 03rd, 2014 - 06:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    Since the Malvinas will be returned within the next 25 years I would think that all presidential candidates should visit. After all the return may occur during their administration and establishing a good connection to the Malvinas electorate is a virtue.

    Jul 05th, 2014 - 05:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anglotino

    Yep. 25 years.

    2 down.
    23 to go to prove that's a load of codswallop.

    I'll wait.

    Jul 05th, 2014 - 06:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #124
    There is NO MALVINAS ELECTORATE. Get clued up on the FACTS, not the book of Argie legends and myths before you post anymore nonsense.
    You have more chance of claiming Atlantis !

    Jul 05th, 2014 - 11:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    @ 123 redp0ll
    “I also heard that there is a flourishing service from Piriapolis ferrying prostitutes out to the ships waiting off shore for a pilot.”

    Given that most of the fishing boats at Piri are small (to say the least) it puts new meaning in the phrase “sporting girl”! The ships are a fair way out and it can get very choppy in the PdE bay.

    Unless of course the U$D 1M cruiser 'belonging' to TMBOA's crooked “assistant” is still lurking in the area and he has nothing better to do. :o)

    Jul 05th, 2014 - 11:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    @124
    “ will be returned within the next 25 years ”

    Is that within 25 years of 2014 (2039) 0r within 25 years from 2580?

    In 2012 it was being returned within 25 years-what's wrong with the timetable, why the delay of two years?

    So will the Falklands be returned to the UK?( as at present the Islands gain more self government every year).

    Jul 06th, 2014 - 07:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    http://en.mercopress.com/2014/06/30/falklands-becomes-launching-pad-for-argentine-presidential-hopeful-campaign#comment336744: The islands will be returned within the next 25 years. And, invariably, an incumbent at that time will have been a presidential candidate. So it is appropriate for each candidate to view the residents of the Malvinas as part of their electorate.

    I have no doubt that after the return a number of the residents now living under the occupation will acquire Argentine citizenship an so, for the first time in their lives, be able to vote in presidential and Congressional elections.

    Jul 07th, 2014 - 04:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anglotino

    “I have no doubt that after the return a number of the residents now living under the occupation will acquire Argentine citizenship an so, for the first time in their lives, be able to vote in presidential and Congressional elections.”

    Say a person that lives in the US.

    “I have no doubt that after the return”
    The Falkland Islands have NEVER been part of the Republic of Argentina. Ergo it cannot be a return.

    “a number of the residents now living under the occupation”
    Occupation by who? The residents voted to continue the status quo. Ergo they are not occupied.

    “will acquire Argentine citizenship”
    Considering the number of Argentines that have this right yet choose to live in a foreign (and usually English speaking) country, this citizenship is nowhere near as useful as already having that right.

    “an so, for the first time in their lives, be able to vote”
    Falkland Islanders can already vote and are part of much more stable democratic system than Argentina has ever been able to produce.

    “in presidential”
    Worthless right. Especially considering how many times this role has been held by the military or unelected people.

    “and Congressional elections.”
    Another worthless right. Especially considering that this Congress has bought the country so close to economic collapse again.

    As per usual, there isn't a single worthwhile thing to be gained by the Falklamd Islanders becoming part of Argentina.

    Not one.

    The benefits of being a BOT outweigh everything that Argentina could possibly offer. Absolutely everything.

    Jul 07th, 2014 - 06:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • kelperabout

    130 Anglotino (#)
    Spot on in everything.
    We chose the way we want to live and Nothing, I repeat Nothing Argentina tries to say or do will change our minds.
    Why the heck would we give up a unique way of life for one that is so corrupt. Simply is not going to happen any time soon or ever.
    We will exploit our entitled reserves with or without the moaning Argentines. We will continue to express our right to democracy .

    Jul 07th, 2014 - 11:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    Redpoll @ 123
    ChrisR @ 127

    Jul 07th, 2014 - 09:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    http://en.mercopress.com/2014/06/30/falklands-becomes-launching-pad-for-argentine-presidential-hopeful-campaign#comment337093: Irrelevant.

    Jul 08th, 2014 - 03:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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