MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Argentine runner plans to honor Argentine and British servicemen buried in Falklands
An Argentine amateur marathon runner plans next December to join 'Falklands emblematic sites', covering a distance of 280 kilometers in six days which will conclude the last leg linking the two cemeteries, Argentine and British “as a message of peace and dialogue”. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesI'd be fully supportive of such a reconciling event..... until I read that he doesn't actually believe the Falkland Islanders have a right to be British.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 09:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0#2
Apr 18th, 2016 - 09:58 am - Link - Report abuse 0Exactly. Looks like a propaganda exercise.
What happened to the Argie swimmers that were going to swim across the Stanley sound? Did they drown? Or did they cry off as per usual.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 09:58 am - Link - Report abuse 0Has he asked permission to bury a Rosary in the Cemetaries?
Apr 18th, 2016 - 10:05 am - Link - Report abuse 0Judging by his earlier comments.He's not doing for “Peace and dialogue” (whatever that actually mean in terms of Argentina's behaviour and demands towards the Islands) but rather to reinforce the view that the imperialist ambitions of his country and uni-religious attitude ,towards the Islands, is somehow honourable and worthy of this nature of observance.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 10:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0Again.A polite refusal should be the order of the day.
Just another Argentine publicity stunt. If he has not asked permission from the War Grave Commission he wont be doing anything of the kind. He knows this all to well and when he is stopped from doing it his country will again play the victim by saying the very bad Falkland people have stopped him from paying his respects to British soldiers again putting them in bad light. You heard it first here from me when all hell breaks loose over this crass stunt.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 01:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0He has already stated his mindset - he should be refused entry as his motives are very suspicious! Not welcome!
Apr 18th, 2016 - 01:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The FALKLANDERS should take down all the beware mines signs and let him run wherever he wants.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 03:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A soccer ref?
Apr 18th, 2016 - 03:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Was he forced to retire?
“...has embraced the “Malvinas cause” since 1982, when he was twelve and the “Argentine boys showed us the Islands are Argentine”.”
Apr 18th, 2016 - 04:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“...a message of peace and dialogue”.
Kind of a contradiction there. As long as the Malvinas Lie continues to be perpetuated, Argentina will not agree to dialogue in good faith.
”...he recalls when in sixth grade the headmistress had all the children formed in the playground and “told us we had to write support letters for the soldiers, who were defending the fatherland”.“
”This project is much to show that we Argentines are not warmongers and much less towards the people of the Islands”
Another contradiction. Mr Scomparin claims the Argentines are not warmongers, but he also claims he has supported the Malvinas Lie since - and wrote letters of support during - a war the Argentines started on false pretenses.
This war was an invasion (not a liberation as stated by the adherents of the Lie) of another nation's sovereign territory, which was followed by the subjugation of the legitimate inhabitants of said territory with plans to murder any who objected too much.
It is these despicable actions he refers to as “Argentine boys showed us the Islands are Argentine”.
Hardly a good or honest start to “...a standing message of peace”.
Nonetheless, I hope the Islanders grant him a warm welcome, and perhaps correct a few of his misconceptions (though that might be hoping for too much).
If this individual were to go to the British Embassy in Bs As seeking a tourist visa to visit the UK or a British Overseas Territory I would hope that his request would be refused. His statements are grossly offensive.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 04:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Just more brain washing,
Apr 18th, 2016 - 07:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0another argy that will use this as an excuse and should be banned,
but then its up to the islands government.
The event won't happen. He won't have planned any support yet and by the time islanders expose his real views fully he simply won't show. If he did show he would come to no harm and would be allowed to complete his running with no interference. Unlike the Top Gear team in Argentina.
Apr 18th, 2016 - 08:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0+1
Apr 18th, 2016 - 11:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0”because I plan to bury rosaries, one for each of the fallen, both Argentines and British“. There were 258 British and 649 Argentine casualties as a result of the Falklands conflict i.e. a total of 907. 907 rosaries will weigh quite a lot and take up a lot of space.
Apr 19th, 2016 - 02:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Is excess baggage allowed on the LAN flight?
Is he Greek? Possibly bearing gifts?
Apr 19th, 2016 - 09:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0We should All, maybe look to Ancient History, in order to reflect on our own.
I want to expand the scope of DETAILS & challenge and clarify some adj points that could have been construed as offensive. I also want to approach them more information about me.
Apr 20th, 2016 - 01:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It is far from my intention to offend Somehow a Some of the inhabitants of the islands.
Throughout humanity., War, alone brought more misery to all beings on Earth. I understand that if war had developed near my home, would have the same feeling of adversity. In 1982 was 11, hardly Could be a favor of a military confrontation. Send A letter from a soldier of the UN Argentino 18 Jahr, which is alone was 7 years older than me and was away from his family to feel Accompanied possible. If he had been born in England, he had surely done the same with 17 Jahr soldiers who fought in the Islands. It was the UN humanitarian Done, for nothing can be taken as an adherence to the war. Boys of that age were the older brothers of my classmates, the Solian Which play with us. Today, 35 years later, my position is clearly opposed any type of confrontation. From the age of 14 I grew up finding out about the events of the War and during the dialogue with veterans of war, a Reach Understanding the inhumanity of it. I could understand that the soldiers of both countries were Humans who had a family you was suffering behind them. There were 255 English families that today still waiting and Other 649 Argentine. The pain and loss is a Same both sides of the Atlantic. In these years I was able to develop a feeling of deep love and respect for all of them. It was a very important process of inner growth. E The same feeling is the same today provides the necessary forces me to pay them honor para Memorial to both countries. A Jahr Over the stories I witnessed between Argentine and British fought And truly, CURRENTLY can sit and talk of war and share a beer sin NI hate grudges. My ignorance of the customs and procedures on the islands, have led me to declare that I intend to bury rosaries in the English cemetery. I a
Success
Apr 20th, 2016 - 01:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I apologize if I offended anyone but unaware that ought to ask permission. If this may cause some inconvenience, I have no trouble placing the rosaries in each of the intersections or only pray in front of each grave. Nor I have objection to send a detailed report to the authorities of the islands report and answer all queries that create relevant on the routes to cover. It would be an honor to share, partially or totally, travel somewhere with people, authorities and / or personal civil and / or military.
Apr 20th, 2016 - 01:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Professionally, exercis as referee in the Argentina soccer league from 1993 to 2005 but not pertenci nor belong to any military or security force in my country. I have a degree in marketing and I work as director of institutional relations of the National Technological University. It is a public university dedicated to the training of engineers. I neither have any political affiliation. In fact, I have taken pains not to seek or accept accessions to my project related to politics.
My parents are descendants of Italian immigrants and I have formed based on principles of good, honesty, transparency and Christian values, which are a motivation to meet this challenge.
I repeat, do not pursue hostility. On the contrary, as deeply desire to pay homage to the Argentine and British fallen alike, as a sign of deep respect, with a clear intention to cooperate with a path to peace and concordance, I was in the antipodes of the intention of provocation.
I am open to answer any questions.
Thank you very much!
Alejandro G. Scomparin
After all that...... still not one word on the Falkland Islander's rights to be British.
Apr 20th, 2016 - 09:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ignorance isn't an excuse.
17 and 19 Alejandro
Apr 20th, 2016 - 10:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I respect you for taking the time to explain some of your position. I'd be grateful if you could explain for the record what your view is on the rights of the Falkland Islanders in terms of remaining on the islands under British sovereignty.
@17 and 19 Alejandro Scomparin
Apr 21st, 2016 - 08:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0Tenga la bondad de confirmar que Ud reconoce que las islas Falklands/Malvinas NO son territorio argentino y que son bajo soberanía británica.
Muchas gracias.
(Please have the kindness to confirm that you recognise that the Falklands/Malvinas Islands are NOT Argentine territory and that they are British sovereign territory. Many thanks)
@17: Alejandro, I would like to point out that you cannot bury rosaries within the British Cemetary at San Carlos. Neither will you be welcome to do the same at the Welsh Guards Memorial at Fitzroy. In order to do this you would have to seek permission from the War Graves Commission. The Welsh Guards Veterans have all ready asked that you do not do this at Fitzroy.
Apr 21st, 2016 - 12:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0With respect, I would also like to point out that rosaries are first and foremost a Catholic tradition and the majority of the British dead were Protestant, or Church of England.
Whilst your ethic is laudable, perhaps you might like to consider the views and opinions of the Falkland Islanders over what ought to happen to the Argentine dead (repatriation) and the skewed version of history taught in Argentine schools?
I, and my compatriots, would be quite happy to discuss these things when, or, if, you come here.
@23: Fitz Roy: I appreciate your comments and contributions. When declare my intention to bury the rosaries, I did thinking of the Argentine cemetery and figured you could do the same in the UK. Know that can not be performed. Attentive to the comments I have received in this note, which I have illustrated the procedures and the procedure may bring some discomfort, I decided to rethink the tribute and shall not keep rosaries British graves and memorials. I come before them and pray silently for the repose of each. His view on the predominant religion in England has also been a contribution that I value and I want to consider. My English is poor, so must resort to google translator to communicate in this way but I'll be very happy to talk with you and with every inhabitant of the islands during my stay.
Apr 21st, 2016 - 02:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Carries six courses (one per day). The first, unire the capital of the islands with Fitz Roy. My intention is to get to the monoliths or memorials that pay tribute to the British dead and, as I said before, pray in this place and then return in some form of transport to the capital of the islands. It would be a pleasure and an honor to meet you on arrival. Also, if not considered a dare, I would like to ask some questions about Fitz Roy, and calculate my travel routes based on samples google.
I share my personal email: agscomparin@gmail.com chit chat, which I extend to any reader. Thanks again, greetings!
@24 Alejandro Scomparin
Apr 21st, 2016 - 02:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0En la ausencia de su respuesta a la petición en mi 22 arriba ¿podemos asumir que Usted NO acepta que las islas Falklands/Malvinas son territorio británico? ¡Siempre han sido y siempre serán!
(In the absence of a reply to my request in 22 above can we assume that you do NOT accept that the Falklands/Malvinas archipelago is NOT British sovereign territory which they have always been and always will be!)
I consider, therefore, your proposed visit to be a meaningless gesture. And as a fellow Catholic I consider your intention to bury rosaries with the war dead as pathetic and sad! You should be fighting for their remains to be repatriated to where they belong - Argentina.
Alejo don`t you mean
Apr 21st, 2016 - 03:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“In the absence of a reply to my request in 22 above can we assume that you do NOT accept that the Falklands/Malvinas archipelago to be British sovereign territory which they have always been and always will be!” ?
Well! This has become an interesting thread!
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 12:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0I look forward to reading further dialogue between the (directly) interested parties.
This has been interesting, when Alejandro is at least prepared to talk to Islanders rather than pretend they don't exist. Even though the Malvinas Myth virus may be incurable.
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 01:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0intelligent we are and let us go one step at discucion !! let's wings legal sources of the problem !! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_2065
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 01:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@28
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 03:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Indeed. That was a pleasant surprise.
Alejandro Scomparin, whatever our differences and arguements, I'd just like to say thanks for coming to discuss your views.
Thank you very much everyone for the comments! I had some difficult days detrabajo to sit in front of the computer to respond. Promise to do one by one but I want to offer my personal mail again to engage in dialogue on issues they deem appropriate: agscomparin@gmail.com With @ 25 Alejo am in contact by mail privately. I invite any of you to write to me.
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 06:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@ 21 JO Bloggs I appreciate your words and thank you. I will use the words of General gales Tony Davies in a meeting between Argentine and British veterans.. “Here there is no political motivation of any kind we're all veterans and we are only interested in veterans What we are doing, friends, it is help each others. This can only improve our relationship. ” I'm not a soldier or anything like that but I feel identified with his words.
I have been very happy the last comments Ilsen @ 27 @ 29 @ 28 Peteblog Evertano and 30 CKurze30k hope I do not forget anybody
We may have different each of us ideas, in many ways, but the important thing is to listen, to know other opinions and accept those differences as part of a much larger process of construction.
There are examples of meetings of veterans from both countries through sports. Rugby without borders is a clear example. They, like me, seek that sport is the channel to transmit a message of peace and unity.
I would also like to thank Mercopress that echoed the note and rose to its portal. While I do not agree that they have chosen the political section instead of sports, I thank you that hayn allowed to start this dialogue.
Finally, I want to say that many of you have helped to improve the organization of my trip and, above all, that has been know by this means to each of you. This includes start raising English material to the web and Desafio youtube channel.
Very good weekend and see you soon!
31 Alejandro
Apr 22nd, 2016 - 10:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Okay, I'll take your word for now. You have to understand how careful we have to be in the Falkland Islands. We are just 3,000 people on some tiny islands in the shadow of a country of over 40,000,000 people with governments that have been very aggressive towards us over many years. If you come and do the run and don't try to make it a political stunt I will be happy to buy you a beer in Stanley. If you bring Argentine flags or dress in clothes with political slogans I will not and you will not feel a warm reception.
The UK will return the Malvinas within 25 years.
Apr 23rd, 2016 - 04:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0Until this overly pious individual indicates his true intentions then what he states above should be treated with the utmost suspicion.
Apr 23rd, 2016 - 07:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0It seems to me that until he apologises to the islanders and to the British nation for the illegal and unwarranted invasion of 1982 then all his mealy mouthed rhetoric means nothing! After all the loss of 907 lives was entirely due to the illegal invasion and no matter how many rosaries he buries this is no gesture of atonement!
@33 Hepatitis
Apr 24th, 2016 - 09:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0We are counting down but it appears you are going backwards all the time! Nabo!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Apr 25th, 2016 - 09:09 am - Link - Report abuse 032 Jo Bloggs
Apr 26th, 2016 - 12:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you very much for your answer. Although I do not drink alcohol , I will accept your invitation with pleasure . I understand what you say and I agree in general terms with the relationship of our country , in recent years , with the inhabitants of the islands.
I will not wear the colors of my country and our flag on the clothing that I will use . Surely , I will use club shirt my loves, Aldosivi of Mar del Plata, whose colors are green and yellow. I leave your website for you to know : http://aldosivi.com/
Regards!
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