UK Primer Minister David Cameron called on Argentina to respect the wishes of Falkland Islanders, who have overwhelmingly voted to stay as a British Overseas Territory and invited other countries across the world that are guided by self-determination to also respect and revere the very clear results.
All countries should accept the results of the Falklands’ referendum and support the Islanders as they continue to develop their home and their economy, said on Tuesday Foreign Secretary William Hague following on the overwhelming weekend vote to remain as a British Overseas Territory.
Despite frequent snow showers and zero temperatures, the celebratory party had already started on Arch Green in the centre of Port Stanley as the result of the Falklands’ referendum was a foregone conclusion, but the loud cheer that went up from the assembled gathering could be heard all over the town as the news filtered through that only 3 persons had voted against the Falklands remaining a self-governing dependent territory of Great Britain.
The International Observation Mission (RIOM) congratulated the Falklands for the ‘free and fair referendum process’ reflecting the democratic will of the Falkland Islanders voters, and for its execution in accordance with international standards and local laws.
As was anticipated 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to maintain the current political status of the Islands as a British Overseas Territory, it was announced late Monday evening by the local electoral authorities.
”I came to meet a peaceful population of sheep farmers and fishing people and they were not waiting for me to support them” but they have very strong and historic links with Uruguay, said lawmaker Jose Cardoso, who is currently in the Falklands to observe the referendum on the Islanders political status and future.
“Voting is a human right and electoral observation does not validate a thing, it is a simple act of analyzing if those conditions people have proposed for the ballot event, are fully complied” said Uruguayan lawmaker Jaime Trobo currently in the Falklands for the referendum on the Islands political status and future.
The following opinion column from Argentine ambassador Alicia Castro in UK was published Monday in The Guardian.
“What lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach is individuals and communities finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is beneficial for all” said the official Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth message celebrated on Monday.
There is no doubt that the Falkland Islanders have the right to self-determination, a visiting professor of politics told a public meeting held in the capital Stanley at the Chamber of Commerce last Friday.