The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has rejected an Argentine request to investigate the sinking of the cruiser General Belgrano in the 1982 Falklands Conflict with the loss of 323 crew.
While Argentina's claims that British aircraft have violated Argentine airspace have been firmly rejected by the United Kingdom Government, the Argentine protest has caused puzzlement in London.
With the 10 South American Countries due to play the next round of Qualifying matches in anticipation of the 2002 World Cup this week, (18th & 19th July) FIFA the World Governing body have shelved plans to stage two 'Mini-World Cups' with the Korean and Japanese winners meeting in the final at Yokohama in Japan as once envisaged.
In a robust re-affirmation of British sovereignty of the Falklands Islands and continuing military defence of the Islanders' security, the British Foreign Office Minister responsible for South American issues, Mr John Battle, MP, said Britain's 21st Century partnership with the Islands for progress and prosperity must be founded on Falklanders deciding their own future, self-determination.
With just a couple of days before the first anniversary of the Argentine-British July 14th. Statement, Argentina's Foreign Secretary Adalberto Rodríguez Giavarini addressing the United Nations Decolonisation Committee in New York clearly outlined the new administration's policy towards the Falkland Islands and officially buried Guido Di Tella's Islanders seduction policy.
A unique Falkland Islands Government Forum on the scope for economic development and investment opportunities has opened in London with optimistic assessments for further offshore oil exploration and for expansion of an already highly successful fishing industry. The Forum ( on July 12) entitled Sustaining a Secure Future, attracted more than 125 delegates, including technical experts, businessmen and potential investors, academics, politicians and journalists.
In a strong re-assertion of its confidence in the future of the Falkland Islands, its Government has organised a major Forum in London on the scope for economic development and investment opportunities.