MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Malvinas fallen relatives will be flying to Falklands at the end of March, says Argentine media
The Argentine cemetery at Darwin for 35 years had 122 graves with remains of soldiers “...only known to God”, but now 88 have been fully identified The next of kin of 103 Argentine combatants fallen during the 1982 Falklands conflict will be travelling to the Islands next 26 March with the purpose of honoring the 88 unknown conscripts, buried at the Darwin cemetery, that were finally identified in a joint effort from the Argentine and British governments, the International Red Cross and consent from Falklands elected authorities.
According to Argentine media, the information was confirmed following a meeting, this Tuesday, of officials at the British embassy in Buenos Aires. The relatives of the 103 combatants were involved in the DNA remains identification process, and will be accompanied by the Argentine Secretary of Human Rights Claudio Abruj next month.
Psychologists, and religious representatives will also include the delegation to perform services at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin, which for 35 years has had 122 unmarked graves, with the only reference in a black granite plaque, “Argentine soldier, only known unto God”.
Now following the latest humanitarian identification process, --agreed by Argentina, UK, Red Cross and the Falklands--, with the participation of international forensic experts, 88 graves have a name and the delegation will replace the neutral black granite with their full names.
The logistics of the trip, and the ceremony to be held at the Darwin cemetery, is being coordinated by the Human Rights Secretary, the Malvinas fallen next of kin commission, the Argentine foreign ministry and the British embassy.
The forensic identification process took place during June/August last year, and following a DNA remains checking process in Argentina, UK and Spain, the Argentine government initiated a round of interviews with next of kin to inform them of the results.
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Read all commentsHave the Falkland Islands authorities agreed to this “invasion”? It seems to me that whilst, of course, the relatives should be permitted to visit, the accompanying “hordes” of officials are rather over the top!
Feb 21st, 2018 - 07:28 am +7BB- this proposed visit is not in any way connected to any planned regular 2nd flight.
Feb 21st, 2018 - 11:40 am +7As of last week it was not likely to happen as no approach had been made to FIG - maybe they now finally have! Silly buggers seem to forget they have to:
Typical shambles of anything organised by Arg Govt! They should leave the organistion to the Veterans Assoc and Families Assoc - they at least have common sense and decency to talk direct to people in the Islands.
Apply to FIG Dept of Civil Aviation for all the aircraft landing permits,insurances etc etc.
not UK dept as they would just reply saying not their area -, apply to the right address.
Accomodation not an issue - charter flight will arrive am and depart later same day back to Argentina.
But it does take a wee bit of time here to organise and ensure:
Appropriate transport from airport to Arg cemetery and back.
Temporary Loos at the Cemetery.
Some shelter with heating in case of a cold day late autumn- many of these folks will be in 70s and older.
First Aid facilities on hand as well
etc etc.
The new 88 named stones will be sent over in advance and in place by the time of the visit.
Fitzoy is correct- It is the Argentine Military Cemetery - which happens to be situated near Darwin!
Darwin cemetery is a different place!
I suspect that the date is that provided by the FIG who had refused to accept the flight on the 15th.
Feb 21st, 2018 - 08:14 am +6Still getting your monkey's & organ grinders confused Think?
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