MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands must be involved in a tripartite dialogue, if Argentina's new policy is to be positive
“If you are willing to integrate the point of view of Falklanders, if they are part of any discussions relative to their lives and future, then this is positive”, said Picardo. 
A policy similar to “the tripartite process attempted by Spain's ex former foreign minister Miguel Moratinos” last decade with David Miliband, and Peter Caruana. 
“The model proposed by Mr. Garcia Margallo is a Neanderthals model, a Franco model, which does not work and he must wake up from his long medieval siesta” 
In the 2002 referendum with a proposal of joint sovereignty, Gibraltar rejected it with 98.5% of votes cast 
An in 2016, an overwhelming majority, 96% voted to remain partners in the European project and continue as British citizens. 
Every day 13.000 workers cross from Spain's neighboring region to work in Gibraltar. “We have full employment, we need them, they need us” Argentina's collaboration strategy towards the UK and the Falkland Islands, if it means integrating the Islanders in any discussions relative to their lives and future, which is only of their concern, “this is positive”, according to Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, interviewed by Argentina's official news agency Telam.
Asked about Argentina's new approach to the Falklands/Malvinas issue which seeks to establish a collaboration agenda with the UK, including the reestablishment of direct air links to the Islands and cooperation in education and health services, CM Picardo insisted it was essential to have the Falklands in a three-side dialogue.
”It is a positive gesture if you are willing to integrate the point of view of the Falkland Islanders, if they are part, (which for me is the most important), of any discussions or decisions relative to their lives and future, then I repeat, this is positive“, said Picardo.
The Gibraltar CM added it was a policy ”similar to the tripartite process attempted by Spain's former foreign minister Miguel Moratinos“ last decade with his British peer David Miliband, and with ex Gibraltar CM Peter Caruana.
”It's an integrating process and I feel solidarity with the Falkland Islanders; it's the only way we can get people together and advance and create wealth“, pointed out Picardo.
”Creating trust among peoples is the policy of the XXI century and a policy even if we are in disagreement over which is the final objective of each of the sides involved, but this opens the way to work together and create a better environment for peoples“.
Picardo, 44, is an attorney, leader of the Gibraltar Socialist Labor party and has been CM of the British Overseas Territory since 2011 and was reelected in 2015 with 70% support.
Asked if Brexit could alter the political balance in the BOTs such as Gibraltar and the Falklands, Picardo said he could only speak for Gibraltar, and it's up to the Falklands' leaders to talk about the issue.
However regarding his country, Picardo said that Spain must understand there is another way of making politics and this was represented by Moratino who pushed strongly for a tripartite context, Spain, Gibraltar and UK, so that ”they could work jointly to improve the economic conditions of the region and the 13.000 workers that every day cross over from Spain to Gibraltar, and Gibraltarians to Spain, so they can all enjoy a better and more normal life”.
He added that Brexit, (which was rejected by 96% of Gibraltarians) opens a window of opportunity to look for partners and create a European and British future for Gibraltar, particularly “with that part of the British family that has voted to remain in Europe” and also because Europe has received “a very clear message from Gibraltar”.
Gibraltar has participated in two referendums in the last 14 years and has been very clear about them: in 2002, the proposal of a joint sovereignty with Spain was rejected by 98.5% of votes cast, and now in 2016, an overwhelming majority, 96% voted to remain partners in the European project and continue as British citizens.
As to Spanish interim foreign minister García Margallo's proposal of a joint sovereignty so that Gibraltar can remain in the European Union, Picardo said that “as every summer he likes to talk about Gibraltar to distract from the problems of his party”.
“The model proposed by Mr. Garcia Margallo is a Neanderthals model, a Franco model, which does not work and he must wake up from his long medieval siesta”, underlined Picardo.
And what could happen if Spain appeals to border restrictions as it did back in 2013. “It will have an impact on all those who work and live in Gibraltar and the neighboring Spanish regions”, but Gibraltar will not impose any hurdles or barriers to workers crossing the border every day, be it to work or for business, pleasure or tourism.
“In Gibraltar we have full employment and community and extra community workers, among which Argentines and Latin Americans, are essential for our economy; we have 23.000 people working and 13.000 come from Spain every single day”, concluded Chief Minister Picardo.
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Read all commentsWell said Mr Picardo. A very simple reason why it is unlikely there ever will be an improvement in relations between the Islands and Argentina- they have for decades insisted that we do not exist as a people and there is no such thing as F.I. Govt!
Jul 20th, 2016 - 11:36 am 0Since when have they resurrected their fantasy of direct airlinks? Do understand dear Argentine Govt- for that to even get onto the table for us to look at and consider you would have to:
Make the initial approach to the Director of Civil Aviation-Falkland Islands Govt.
For Health issues:
The Director of Health Services, Falkland Islands Govt
For Education Services:
The Director of Education, Falkland Islands Govt.
There you are Macri and Malcorra- theiur email addresses are easy to find - just do one of two things now please:
Either get in DIRECT communication with the correct authorities who have legitimate responsibility here
OR
Shut up and go way.
During CFK years I read lots of complaints comming from the islanders that argentine government ignored and did not recognized the islander authorities. The most common compaint was: “We do exist”
Jul 20th, 2016 - 12:40 pm 0The new Argentine Foreign Minister wanted to shake hands with some Islands representatives but Gaving Short refused to greet her. This is not only quite rude a rude attitude from him but also reflects that argentine moderate authorities are a problem to some islanders that need an enemy. You need an enemy (real or fake one, it doesn't matter) if you are going to play the role of the victim after all.....
Let Mr. Piccardo know that the “three” sides must be willing to speak for a dialogue. It might be the time to send people such as Gaving Short home. He seems not to be at the level required for a “dialogue”
In addition, using PMA words argentine people and argentine goverment don't trust islanders at all and don't trust british government at all. This also must be understood.
Mr German,
Jul 20th, 2016 - 01:08 pm 0What has the Falkland Islands done in the past 200 years that is untrustworthy?
For that matter, what has the British government done in the Soutb Atlantic, within living memory or beyond, that could be deemed untrustworthy or threatening?
For only the past 34 years, the British have maintained a small military force on the islands, for defence purposes.
Even though Argentina is de facto without a military beyond a few parade generals, the Falkland Islanders have resisted the urge to invade or threaten the Argentine population or their sovereignty.
Why is it that Argentine officials must be distrustful of the British and the Islanders?
You seem to be infected with the same rhetoric-inducing phobias as that prescient all-knowing Canadian vestige of socialism.
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