Argentina is conditioning the authorization of charter flights to the Falklands during the first quarter of 2004 to the beginning of a round of talks next March for the establishment of a direct commercial flight between Argentina and the Islands.
The Argentine government has refused to sign an agreement between 24 countries to fight poaching in Antarctic waters, due to be implemented in 2004, since it considers it a 'threat against national sovereignty,' reports El Cronista.
Uruguay is considering requesting Australia the liberation of the longliner Viarsa 1 and its crew currently detained and waiting trial in Freemantle for allegedly poaching in Australian waters.
Headlines :
Tamar in Chile for repairs; Antarctic air accident: pilot and passenger escape injury; Second flight: press reports incorrect; Cruise ships call in; Mare Harbour fireworks.
The Falkland Islands Association has paid tribute to the Royal Air Force for its remarkable operations in helping to liberate the Falklands in 1982 and for its continuing help in the 21 years since, with its radar stations and fighter patrols deterring any prospect of renewed Argentine hostility, its regular direct air link from the United Kingdom via Ascension Island, its air-sea rescue and emergency medical evacuation services to Montevideo and the United Kingdom, and air surveillance of illegal fishing activity.
The new Commander of British Forces in the Falkland Islands (CBFFI) is Air Commodore Richard H Lacey, MA, who takes up the post in December.
The Falkland Islands Association has paid tribute to its active Stanley Committee for its impressive fund-raising and unremitting support as the Association passed its immediate target of enrolling 1,000 members backing Islanders' self-determination.
A second weekly Lan Chile flight between the Falkland Islands and Punta Arenas is out of the question, reports Buenos Aires daily Clarín in its Monday edition.
Falkland Islanders have been praised by the Governor, Mr Howard Pearce, for being a very warm, hospitable, welcoming community. He says he greatly enjoys his fascinating job.
A group of Punta Arenas tourist operators have requested authorization for a cruise full of history and archaeology in the protected island of Navarino where aborigines first met English missionaries and later on visited by Fitz Roy and Charles Darwin.